 The differentiation between "Beta" and "Patellifolia" probably occurred early in the Late Oligocene.Both lineages tolerate aridity and highly saline soils, so they were able to survive dramatic aridity events in the past that led to the extinction of other more vulnerable lineages in the subfamily.Beet ("Beta vulgaris") has an immense economic importance as sugar crop (sugar beet), and a great importance as a vegetable (chard, beetroot), and as fodder plant (mangelwurzel).