SUGAR BEET
Beta vulgaris L. (Chenopodiaceae).
Sugar beet was given its scientific name by Carolus Linnaeus in 1753. Linnaeus knew of many cultivated varieties and recognised the wild sea beet as the same species.
Native to coastal areas of Eurasia; domesticated forms only known in cultivation.
Life form:
tuberous
biennial.
Parts used: sugar is extracted from the
tuberous root, which is also used for food and animal fodder; leaves used as food and fodder.
Ploidy level: the wild plants are
diploid, but cultivated plants have undergone
chromosome doubling and
cultivars of many different
ploidy levels exist.
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