Tag: August

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Xerophyllum tenax

[amazon_link asins=’B06XF7PD2Q,B01AKPK1XK,B07F16Q87F,B07CVKRR6L,B07CB8JM4J,1506088112,B00S8K1R8I,B07D33RC9Y’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’59b5ceaa-7e0a-11e8-b290-5dc9be272827′]

Botanical Name :Xerophyllum tenax
Family: Melanthiaceae
Genus: Xerophyllum
Species: X. tenax
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Liliales

Synonyms: Helonias tenax – Pursh, Xerophyllum douglasii – S.Wats.

Common Names :Bear grass, Squaw grass, Soap grass, Quip-quip, and Indian basket grass.

Habitat:Xerophyllum tenax is native to  Western N. America – British Columbia to California.  Grows on  Dry sunny hills and open woods. Moist places in open woods and clearings, from sea level to 2100 metres

Description:
Xerophyllum tenax is an evergreen grasslike Perennial  plant ,  growing to 1.2m by 2m at a slow rate. It grows in bunches with the leaves wrapped around and extending from a small stem at ground level. The leaves are 30-100 cm long and 2-6 mm wide, dull olive green with toothed edges. The slightly fragrant white flowers emerge from a tall stalk that bolts from the base. When the flowers are in bloom they are tightly packed at the tip of the stalk like an upright club.

CLICK  &  SEE   THE  PICTURES

It is hardy to zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation :
Requires a well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers a fairly moisture-retentive sandy peaty soil. Requires a damp peaty soil. Plants can be difficult to cultivate. Plants are hardy to about -20°c, especially if the roots are given a good mulch in the winter. If left undisturbed, plants can form quite large colonies, spreading by means of their tough rhizomes. Plants do not flower every year, there are often gaps of 5 – 7 years between flowering.

Propagation:
Seed – we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if possible, otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division as the plant comes into growth in the spring.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Root.

Root – baked.

Medicinal Uses:
Ophthalmic; Styptic.

The roots are styptic. A poultice of the chewed root has been applied to wounds. A decoction of the grated root has been used as a wash on bleeding wounds, sprains and broken limbs. The washed roots have been rubbed to make a lather and then used to wash sore eyes.

Other Uses
Basketry; Fibre; Weaving.

A watertight basket can be made from the leaves. This basket has been used for cooking food in. The fibres are split from the leaves and then used. The plant is also used to decorate baskets. The small leaves have been used to make dresses. The plants were burnt every year. The leaves were harvested in the spring when they first started to grow out of the charred rhizome. Prior to using, the leaves were soaked in water to make them pliable, but if left too long they turned green. The dried and bleached leaves are used for weaving into hats and capes.

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://digedibles.com/database/plants.php?Xerophyllum+tenax
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xerophyllum_tenax

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Cardiospermum halicacabum

[amazon_link asins=’B005EZNAJO,B073S52CHQ,B07DLJK9ZN,B07CYZSFJC,B001E10DI8,B0009EIN2O,B008YBGWRM,B07F5W2FJD’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8756a568-7e0c-11e8-aed9-017276358791′]

Botanical Name : Cardiospermum halicacabum
Family: Sapindaceae
Subfamily: Sapindoideae
Genus: Cardiospermum
Species: C. halicacabum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales

Common Names :   Balloon Vine, Love in a Puff, Heartseed, and Heartseed Vine.

Habitat :Cardiospermum halicacabum is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia.India. N. America.Locally naturalized in S. Europe.Moist thickets and waste ground in Eastern N. America

Description:
Cardiospermum halicacabum is a decidious Climber growing to 3m.with twice 3-parted leaves that will reach 4 inches (10 cm) long. The plants climb with tendrils and need some form of support.with twice 3-parted leaves that will reach 4 inches (10 cm) long. The plants climb with tendrils and need some form of support.They are used as annuals in USDA zones 5-8 and are perennial in zones 9-11. and is frost tender.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) The fruit from which the plant gets its common name is a brown, thin-shelled, inflated angled capsule up to 1 1/8 inch (3 cm) in diameter containing 3 black seeds each, with a white heart-shaped scar.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist soil.

Cultivation:
Prefers a moist soil and a sunny sheltered position, but succeeds in most soils. A frost-tender deciduous climber, it is grown as an annual in Britain.

Propagation:
Seed – sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 3 – 4 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Leaves and young shoots – cooked. Used as a spinach

Medicinal Uses:
Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emetic; Emmenagogue; Laxative; Refrigerant; Rubefacient; Stomachic.

The whole plant is diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, laxative, refrigerant, rubefacient, stomachic and sudorific. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, nervous diseases, stiffness of the limbs and snakebite. The leaves are rubefacient, they are applied as a poultice in the treatment of rheumatism. A tea made from them is used in the treatment of itchy skin. Salted leaves are used as a poultice on swellings.The leaf juice has been used as a treatment for earache. The root is diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, laxative and rubefacient. It is occasionally used in the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago and nervous diseases.

In Indian herbal medicine, balloon vine root is used to bring on delayed menstruation and to relieve backache and arthritis.  The leaves stimulate local circulation and are applied to painful joints to help speed the cleaning of toxins.  The seeds are also thought to help in the treatment of arthritis.  The plant as a whole has sedative properties.  It has been prescribed for years by European skin specialists and family doctors. In a study of 833 patients with eczema, better than 4 out of 5 subjects reported improvement or remission of symptoms (inflammation, swelling, scaling, blisters/vesicles, dry skin, itching, burning and pain).  This small and delicate wiry climber can be used to treat piles, rheumatism, nervous disorders and chronic bronchitis. A paste of the leaves is a dressing for sores and wounds. Crushed leaves can also be inhaled to relieve headaches and the seeds used to relieve fever and body aches.  A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of itchy skin. Salted leaves are used as a poultice on swellings.  The leaf juice has been used as a treatment for earache.

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/Cardiospermum_halicacabum
http://digedibles.com/database/plants.php?Cardiospermum+halicacabum
http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week256.shtml
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm

Related articles

 

 

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Alexanders

[amazon_link asins=’B00KGZQTNG,1101871377,0689711735,B00004TZY6,B01MTEK98R,B000QJLQZI’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3f322acc-d57d-11e7-a645-45767ce8d455′]

Botanical Name : Smyrnium olusatrum
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Smyrnium
Species: S. olusatrum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales

Common Names : Alexanders,alisanders, horse parsley and smyrnium.

Habitat :Alexanders is native to the Mediterranean, but is able to thrive further north.Europe to Asia. Naturalized in Britain.Grows in hedges and waste places, often near the sea.

Description:
Alexanders is a binnial plant, growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.7 m (2ft 4in).(In the correct conditions, Alexanders will grow up to four or five feet tall.)  It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender.The flowers are yellow-green in colour and its fruits are black. Alexanders is intermediate in flavor between celery and parsley. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from Jun to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
CLICK &  SEE  THE  PICTURES

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Cultivation:
Succeeds in most soils but prefers an open sunny position in a well-drained moisture retentive soil. Hardy to about -15°c. At one time this plant was extensively grown for its edible leaves and stems but it has now fallen into virtual disuse, having been replaced by celery. The seeds are highly aromatic with a myrrh-like scent. A good bee plant.

Propagation  :
Seed – best sown in an outdoor seedbed in autumn and planted into its permanent position in late spring. Germination can be slow. The seed can also be sown in situ in spring.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Condiment;  Flowers;  Leaves;  Root;  Stem.

Leaves and young shoots – raw in salads or cooked in soups, stews etc. The plant comes into growth in the autumn and the leaves are often available throughout the winter. They have a rather strong celery-like flavour and are often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use. Leafy seedlings can be used as a parsley substitute. Stem – raw or cooked. It tastes somewhat like celery, but is more pungent. The stem is often blanched (by excluding light from the growing plant) before use. Flower buds – raw. Added to salads, they have a celery-like flavour. The spicy seeds are used as a pepper substitute. Root – cooked. Boiled and used in soups, its flavour is somewhat like celery. The root is said to be more tender if it has been kept in a cool place all winter

It was once used in many dishes, either blanched, or not, but it has now been replaced by celery.

Medicinal Uses:
Bitter;  Digestive.

The whole plant is bitter and digestive. It has been used in the past in the treatment of asthma, menstrual problems and wounds, but is generally considered to be obsolete as a medicinal plant.

The plant was used in ancient days to relieve dropsy.  The seeds were often soaked in wine to create a tonic for scurvy when other sources of vitamin C were not available and also to promote menstruation.  The root is a diuretic.  The crushed leaves or their juice was a soothing and healing treatment for cuts and minor abrasions.  It was also used for asthma.   These uses are now obsolete

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://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Smyrnium+olusatrum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexanders
http://sophy.u-3mrs.fr/Photo-cp/Sin/Smyrnium_olusatrum__________27_01_2001_2.JPG
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Oxalis violacea

[amazon_link asins=’B06XY95YC2,B01GN4Z38A’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’eb8b791c-1d98-11e7-af0d-c7d073184a48′][amazon_link asins=’B000H4MYQW’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d0605d4f-1d98-11e7-97ba-318b2fb8046c’]

 

Botanical Name :Oxalis violacea
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Species: O. violacea
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Oxalidales

Common Names: violet wood sorrel

Habitat:Oxalis violacea  is native to  Eastern N. America – New York to Wisconsin, south to Florida. It  grows in Woods, shaded slopes, gravelly banks and prairies. Dry sandy or clay soils.

Description:
Oxalis violacea, the violet woodsorrel, is a perennial plant. It  is a low-lying (4″), shy native with small, bell-shaped violet flowers that become white with greenish lines near the blossom’s throat. Leaves and blossoms both open up to the sun, the latter exposing bright yellow anthers, and then fold with shade. Three oval-heart leaflets comprise each leaf. Bees love this plant, which prefers well-drained soils.from BULB.( in appearance to small clovers such as the shamrock, the plant bears violet colored flowers among three-parted leaves having heart-shaped leaflets. Wood sorrel emerges in early spring from an underground bulb.)

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from Jul to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Spread: 0.5 to 0.75 feet,Bloom Time: May, Bloom Color: Pink, Lavender , Bloom Description: Pink, lavender, Sun: Full sun to part shade.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires dry or moist soil.

Cultivation:
Easily grown in a moisture-retentive humus-rich soil in shade or dappled sunlight.  Succeeds in dry soils. Grows well in a wild or woodland garden.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Edible Uses
All parts of the plant are edible; flowers, leaves, stems and bulb.

Leaves – raw or cooked. The acid salty leaves are eaten raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked as a potherb.Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet. Flowers – raw. An attractive and tasty garnish for salads[183]. Root – raw or cooked. A lemon-flavoured drink is made from the leaves.

Medicinal Uses:
Anthelmintic;  Antiemetic;  Blood purifier;  Cancer;  Salve.

The plant is anthelmintic, antiemetic, blood purifier, cancer and salve. A cold infusion is used to stop a person vomiting. An infusion can be used as a blood purifier, it is said to be a treatment in the early stages of cancer. An infusion of the plant is drunk and also used as a wash in treating children with hookworm. An infusion of the leaves, mixed with oil, can be used as a salve on sores.

In New Mexico, a teaspoonful of fresh or dried powdered leaves is boiled in a cup of water and taken in the morning to help expel intestinal worms.  The raw greens have been eaten in the early spring as a blood tonic, after a winter without greens.  The plant has been used to create a feeling of coolness in a person with fever, and to increase urine flow.  A cold infusion is used to stop a person vomiting. An infusion can be used as a blood purifier, it is said to be a treatment in the early stages of cancer. An infusion of the plant is drunk and also used as a wash in treating children with hookworm. An infusion of the leaves, mixed with oil, can be used as a salve on sores.

Known Hazards:
The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body’s supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition

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://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Oxalis+violacea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxalis_violacea
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_UZ.htm

https://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/oxalis-violacea-violet-wood-sorrel.html

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Centaurea calcitrapa

[amazon_link asins=’B01N1PU21Y,B00KRLMRO4,B01FZFSM72,B01NA9T8BJ,B0093PVP5M,B008Q5LXIE,B005260IGS,B000L40SEI,B00IMTXCE2′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d8789362-19c2-11e7-9eb4-17f4ee42c38d’][amazon_link asins=’B00DL0I11G’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’86c1b169-19c2-11e7-95cf-6d2619e4719b’]

 

Botanical Name : Centaurea calcitrapa
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Cynareae
Genus: Centaurea
Species: C. calcitrapa
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales

Common Nams:  Common Star Thistle, Red star-thistle, Purple starthistle

Habitat : Centaurea calcitrapa is native to Europe but is rarely found there, it is known across the globe as an introduced species and often a noxious weed. It grows  on  waysides and waste places on sandy, gravelly and chalky soils.

Description:
Centaurea calcitrapa is an annual or Biennial plant growing erect to a maximum height of one  to 1.3 metres.
The stems are hairless and grooved.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

It sometimes takes the shape of a mound, and it is finely to densely hairy to spiny. The leaves are dotted with resin glands. The lowermost may reach a length of 20 centimeters and are deeply cut into lobes. The inflorescence contains a few flower heads. Each is 1.5 to 2 centimeters long and oval in general shape. The phyllaries are green or straw-colored and tipped in tough, sharp yellow spines. The head contains many bright purple flowers. The fruit is an achene a few millimeters long which lacks a pappus.

It flowers from July until September, and the seeds ripen from August to October.

The Red Star-thistle has been identified as a Priority Species by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It is identified as ‘vulnerable’ by the UNIC and is listed as Nationally Rare in the UK Red Data Book. There is no national or Sussex BAP for this species.

Cultivation:
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil and a sunny position. Tolerates dry, low fertility and alkaline soils. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation:
Seed – sow April in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, it can also be sown in situ during August/September.
Edible Uses: Leaves and young stems – raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses:
Star thistle has had medicinal use, most notably for reducing fevers.  In the 19th century, one botanist noted that Americans were employing the plant for kidney complaints such as nephritis and gravel.  A modern European herbal lists the seeds as a diuretic and suggests a palatable prescription made by crushing them in white wine. It also recommends an infusion of the leaves and flowers for fevers and general debility.  For a more potent remedy, the herbal mentions brewing the leaves with angelica, wormwood, or white willow bark.  The powdered root is said to be a cure for fistula and gravel.

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/Centaurea_calcitrapa
http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=5205+1622+2824+0051
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archivo:Centaurea_calcitrapa_01.JPG

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Centaurea+calcitrapa

Related articles
css.php