Redbud trees belong to the genus Cercis, which includes deciduous trees from North America, Asia and the Mediterranean area. The leaves on redbuds are heart-shaped and produce fiery fall colors in red and yellow. The flowers are typically bright and range from pale pink to purple and magenta.
Digestion of starch and other carbohydrates begins in the mouth with an enzyme called salivary amylase.
Saliva contains an amylase called salivary amylase, which is produced by the salivary glands in the mouth. Saliva is a slippery liquid that lubricates food so that it can smoothly pass through the food pipe. However, it also contains enzymes that start the digestion process. Salivary amylase starts breaking down starch in the mouth and continues to do so after the food is passed into the stomach and small intestine. Salivary amylase works best at a neutral pH, but can survive the stomach acid.