Humulus lupulus
Encyclopedia
Humulus lupulus is a species
of Humulus in the Cannabaceae
family.
Common hop is a dioecious
, perennial
herbaceous climbing plant which sends up new shoots in early spring and dies back to the cold-hardy rhizome
in autumn. It is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere
.
The flower cones of the plant, known as hops
, are used in the production of beer
to impart bitterness and flavor, and for their preservative qualities. The extract is antimicrobial, which makes it useful for making natural deodorant.
Hops also contain the potent phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnaringenin that may have a relative binding affinity to estrogen
receptors.
Hop also contains myrcene, humulene
, xanthohumol
, myrcenol
, linalool, tannin
s, resin
.
There are many cultivated varieties: see List of hop varieties
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of Humulus in the Cannabaceae
Cannabaceae
Cannabaceae are a small family of flowering plants. As now circumscribed, the family includes about 170 species grouped in about 11 genera, including Cannabis , Humulus and Celtis...
family.
Common hop is a dioecious
Dioecious
Dioecy is the property of a group of biological organisms that have males and females, but not members that have organs of both sexes at the same time. I.e., those whose individual members can usually produce only one type of gamete; each individual organism is thus distinctly female or male...
, perennial
Perennial plant
A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. The term is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter lived annuals and biennials. The term is sometimes misused by commercial gardeners or horticulturalists to describe only herbaceous perennials...
herbaceous climbing plant which sends up new shoots in early spring and dies back to the cold-hardy rhizome
Rhizome
In botany and dendrology, a rhizome is a characteristically horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nodes...
in autumn. It is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere
Northern Hemisphere
The Northern Hemisphere is the half of a planet that is north of its equator—the word hemisphere literally means “half sphere”. It is also that half of the celestial sphere north of the celestial equator...
.
The flower cones of the plant, known as hops
Hops
Hops are the female flower clusters , of a hop species, Humulus lupulus. They are used primarily as a flavoring and stability agent in beer, to which they impart a bitter, tangy flavor, though hops are also used for various purposes in other beverages and herbal medicine...
, are used in the production of beer
Beer
Beer is the world's most widely consumed andprobably oldest alcoholic beverage; it is the third most popular drink overall, after water and tea. It is produced by the brewing and fermentation of sugars, mainly derived from malted cereal grains, most commonly malted barley and malted wheat...
to impart bitterness and flavor, and for their preservative qualities. The extract is antimicrobial, which makes it useful for making natural deodorant.
Hops also contain the potent phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnaringenin that may have a relative binding affinity to estrogen
Estrogen
Estrogens , oestrogens , or œstrogens, are a group of compounds named for their importance in the estrous cycle of humans and other animals. They are the primary female sex hormones. Natural estrogens are steroid hormones, while some synthetic ones are non-steroidal...
receptors.
Hop also contains myrcene, humulene
Humulene
Humulene, also known as α-humulene or α-caryophyllene, is a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene, which is a terpenoid consisting of 3 isoprene units. It is found in the essential oils of Humulus lupulus from which it derives its name. It is an isomer of β-caryophyllene, and the two are...
, xanthohumol
Xanthohumol
Xanthohumol is a prenylated chalconoid from hops and beer. It has a range of biological properties with potential therapeutic utility....
, myrcenol
Myrcenol
Myrcenol is an organic compound, specificially a terpenoid. It is most notable as one of the fragrant components of lavender oil.-Role in fragrance industry:...
, linalool, tannin
Tannin
A tannin is an astringent, bitter plant polyphenolic compound that binds to and precipitates proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids.The term tannin refers to the use of...
s, resin
Resin
Resin in the most specific use of the term is a hydrocarbon secretion of many plants, particularly coniferous trees. Resins are valued for their chemical properties and associated uses, such as the production of varnishes, adhesives, and food glazing agents; as an important source of raw materials...
.
Varieties
There are five varieties of this species (Humulus lupulus):- H. lupulus var. lupulus. – Europe, western Asia.
- H. lupulus var. cordifolius. – Eastern Asia.
- H. lupulus var. lupuloides (syn. H. americanus). – Eastern North America.
- H. lupulus var. neomexicanus. – Western North America.
- H. lupulus var. pubescensHumulus lupulus var. pubescensHumulus lupulus var. pubescens is a variety of Humulus lupulus . It can be found growing mainly in the Midwestern and Eastern United States.- Habitat :...
. – Midwest North America.
There are many cultivated varieties: see List of hop varieties
Animal pests
- Hop leaf aphid (Phorodon humuli)
- Red spider miteTetranychus urticaeTetranychus urticae is one of many species of plant-feeding mites found in dry environments across the world, and generally considered a pest. It is the most widely known member of the family Tetranychidae or spider mites...
(Tetranychus urticaeTetranychus urticaeTetranychus urticae is one of many species of plant-feeding mites found in dry environments across the world, and generally considered a pest. It is the most widely known member of the family Tetranychidae or spider mites...
)
Diseases
- Downy mildewDowny mildewDowny mildew refers to any of several types of oomycete microbes that are obligate parasites of plants. Downy mildews exclusively belong to Peronosporaceae. In commercial agriculture, they are a particular problem for growers of crucifers, grapes and vegetables that grow on vines...
(Pseudoperonospora humuliPseudoperonospora humuliPseudoperonospora humuli is a plant pathogen that causes downy mildew on hops and hemp.- External links :* *...
) - Powdery mildewPowdery mildewPowdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants. Powdery mildew diseases are caused by many different species of fungi in the order Erysiphales. It is one of the easier diseases to spot, as its symptoms are quite distinctive. Infected plants display white powdery spots on the...
(Podosphaera macularisPodosphaera macularisPodosphaera macularis is a plant pathogen that causes powdery mildew of hops.- External links :* *...
)