The wordforb is derived fromGreekphorbḗ (φορβή) 'pasture;fodder'.[3][4] The Hellenic spellingphorb is sometimes used. In older usage, this sometimes includesgraminids and other plants currently not regarded as forbs.
Forbs are members of aguild—a group of plant species with broadly similar growth forms.[5] In certain contexts in ecology, guild membership may often be more important than thetaxonomic relationships between organisms.
In addition to its use in ecology, the term "forb" may be used for subdividing popular guides towildflowers,[6] distinguishing them from other categories such as grasses, sedges,shrubs, andtrees.[7] Some examples of forbs areclovers,sunflowers,daylilies, andmilkweed.
Forb Adaptation Zones:Kale andturnip are examples of forb adaptations distributed over much of Europe, southern Oceania, northern Asia, and northern North America. In cooler climates, these crops are grown year-round, while in warmer climates, they are used as winter forage.
^Scott, Robert Pickett; Henry, George (2007).Liddell and Scott's Greek-English Lexicon, Abridged: Original Edition, republished in larger and clearer typeface. Simon Wallenburg Press.ISBN978-1-84356-026-5.
