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Cymbalaria muralis

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Botanical Name : Cymbalaria muralis
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Cymbalaria
Species: C. muralis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales

SynonymsLinaria cymbalaria.

Common Name :Ivy-leaved toadflax or Kenilworth Ivy

Habitat :Cymbalaria muralis is native to Mediterranean Europe and widely naturalised elsewhere.

Description:
Cymbalaria muralis is a PERENNIAL plant. It is hardy to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It spreads quickly, growing up to 5 cm (2.0 in) tall—it commonly grows in rock and wall crevices, and along footpaths. The leaves are evergreen, rounded to heart-shaped, 2.5 to 5 cm (0.98 to 2.0 in) long and wide, three-seven lobed, alternating on thin stems. The flowers are very small, similar in shape to snapdragon flowers.It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, self.The plant is self-fertile.
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This plant has an unusual method of propagation. The flower stalk is initially positively phototropic and moves towards the light—after fertilization it becomes negatively phototropic and moves away from the light. This results in seed being pushed into dark crevices of rock walls, where it is more likely to germinate and where it prefers to grow.

Cultivation :
Prefers a moderately good soil and some shade. Plants usually self-sow freely[188] and can be invasive, especially when grown on old walls[200]. They succeed both on dry-stone walls and on old mortared walls.

Propagation:
Seed – surface sow March to June in a cold frame and do not exclude light. The seed usually germinates in 2 – 4 weeks at 18°c[164]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in late spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Edible Uses :
Leaves  are  raw. The leaves have been used in salads, being acrid and pungent like cress. We find them rather bitter and not very pleasant, though they are available all year round and so might be useful in the winter.

Medicinal Uses:
Antiscorbutic;  Vulnerary.
The herb is antiscorbutic and vulnerary. It is used externally as a poultice on fresh wounds to stop the bleeding. There are reports that it has been used with success in India for the treatment of diabetes.

Other Uses : A clear yellow dye is obtained from the flowers, though it is not very permanent.

Known Hazards :  The plant might be slightly toxic

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbalaria_muralis
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cymbalaria+muralis
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_IJK.htm

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