Reinwardtia indica, yellow flax or pyoli, is a species of Linaceae found in the Himalayas and beyond in Asia. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Reinwardtia.
| Yellow flax | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Flower and foliage | |
 | |
| Fruit | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Linaceae |
| Subfamily: | Linoideae |
| Genus: | Reinwardtia |
| Species: | R. indica |
| Binomial name | |
| Reinwardtia indica | |
Distribution
editThis species is found in South, Southeast, and East Asia[1].
Uses
editCulture
editPyoli is the subject of many folk songs.
According to Garhwali and Kumaoni folklore, Pyoli was a young maiden living in the forest. She was raised by animals and her first human contact was in the form of a prince who had lost his way during a hunting expedition. She tended him and he fell in love with her. He persuaded her to marry him and accompany him to his palace. Although she loved the prince, she started wilting in the absence of a natural environment. No one could cure her, and finally she died pining for her flora and fauna friends. Her last wish was that she should be buried among her friends. The prince took her to be buried at the place he had first met her. Some time later a pretty yellow flower came out at the spot. This flower was named after the pretty nature-loving belle.
Taxonomy
editThe following are taxonomic synonyms for Reinwardtia indica:
R. tetragyna, R. trigyna, Linum trigynum,[3] Linum cicanobum, Linum repens, Kittelocharis trigyna, Macrolium trigynum[4]
References
edit- ↑ "Reinwardtia indica Dumort". worldfloraonline.org. Archived from the original on 2023-07-29. Retrieved 2026-04-20.
- ↑ Lalit Tiwari. "Dyes & Detergents: Traditional Himalayan Technology". History of Indian Science and Technology. Retrieved 2009-10-04.
- ↑ "Reinwardtia indica Dumort". Retrieved 2009-11-11.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ "China Checklist of Higher Plants". Retrieved 2009-11-11. [dead link]
- "Tales and legends from India" (page 13) by Iris Macfarlane (1966)
- Legends of the gods: strange and fascinating tales from around the world (page 33) by Noreen Shelley (1976), ISBN 0-8448-1040-1
External links
edit
- Reinwardtia trigyna (Roxb.) Planch., Flora of Pakistan