Tag: June

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Asphodelus albus

[amazon_link asins=’0822312425,B00S3S7V9O,0771073542,B00F8W9H0O,B00EYN8NPI,0811212831,B00P6O50B4,B0751793TM,B00DYZE2SO’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3d7413d9-9cf4-11e7-8563-0342a4d54ef7′]

[amazon_link asins=’B074DVKPKY’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’0c3ee113-9cf4-11e7-83be-7553be96ed96′]

Botanical Name : Asphodelus albus
Family: Xanthorrhoeaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Asphodelus
Species: A. albus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales

Common Names :White asphodel,Asphodel

Habitat : Asphodelus albus is native to the Mediterranean area.(S. Europe. ) The plant is commonly found in meadows and heathland of central Spain, southwest France, and along the southern Alps to the western Balkans up to an altitude of 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). It is also found on the continent Africa, mainly in Libyan territory. Soils with a high lime content are preferred.

Description:
Asphodelus albus is a herbaceous perennial plant.  It grows to a height of 50–120 centimetres (20–47 in). The plain stem is supported by fleshy, thickened roots (rhizomes). The leaves, which originate from the base of the stem, are gutter-shaped and glaucous (covered by a waxy coating), about 20–22 millimetres (0.79–0.87 in) wide and 50–70 centimetres (20–28 in) long. The white hermaphroditic flowers are funnel-shaped, 4 centimetres (1.6 in) of diameter, with six elongated petals. The flowering period extends from April through June. The egg-shaped yellow-green seed capsules are usually 8–10 millimetres (0.31–0.39 in) in length.

Cloick to see..>.(01).……..(1).....(2)....(3)……..(4).….

It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor 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 and can tolerate drought.

Cultivation:
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, tolerating partial shade. Requires a well-drained soil and a sheltered position. Prefers a deep rich sandy loamy soil. Prefers a soil that is not too rich and a sunny position. Grows well on hot dry banks and in thin grass. Established plants are drought tolerant. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagation:
Seed – sow March/April in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place in 1 – 3 months at 15°c. 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. When the plants are large enough to handle, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring or autumn

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Root.
The root was at one time eaten as a food but, since it contains the alkaloid asphodeline, this is not really very advisable.

Medicinal Uses:
Antidermatosic;  Detergent;  Emollient;  Vulnerary.

The tubers are antidermatosic, detergent, emollient and vulnerary. They are mainly used externally in the treatment of skin conditions and for lightening freckles. They have also been employed internally as a cough remedy. The tubers are harvested in the spring and dried for later use. Use internally with caution, especially if you are suffering from nephritis or gastritis.

Other Uses :
An alcohol can be obtained from the fermented roots.

Known Hazards: The root is poisonous

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=Asphodelus+albus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphodelus_albus

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Angelica keiskei

Botanical Name : Angelica keiskei
Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Angelica
Species: A. keiskei
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Apiales

Synonyms : Archangelica keiskei Miquel; Angelica utilis Makino

Common Names : Ashitaba

Habitat : Native to  E. Asia – Japan , Honshu (only in coastal area of Miura Peninsular, Izu Peninslar and Kii peninsular), Izu Islands

Description:
Angelica keiskei is a  perennial  hurb, growing to 1.2m.
It is hardy to zone 0 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

CLICK & SEE  THE PICTURES

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. 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 tolerate maritime exposure.

Cultivation:
Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun. Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring. The seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Leaves; Root.

Leaves – raw or cooked. Root – cooked. It is often pickled. The root is short and thick

Medicinal Uses:
In traditional medicine, the plant is seen to be a strengthening tonic.  Similar to western angelica, Ashitaba has a bitter taste and contains bitter principles and is used to increase appetite, improve digestion, speed elimination of waste and generally act as a digestive tonic.  When you break the stems and roots of Ashitaba, a sticky yellow juice gushes out. In fact, this is one of the unusual characteristics of the plant. The juice is used topically to treat a host of skin conditions. The juice of the plant is applied to boils, cysts, and pustules to speed healing. It is used to clear athletes foot fungal infections. It is applied to repel insects and to speed healing and prevent infection in insect bites. Indeed, applying the juice of the plant is said to cure most skin conditions and to prevent infection in wounds. It is used both in chronic and acute skin complaints.

Known Hazards : All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis

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?Angelica+keiskei
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashitaba
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_AB.htm
http://gardeningwithwilson.com/tag/angelica-keiskei/

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Clintonia borealis

[amazon_link asins=’B00ZAHZ8QO,B00G4HZRHO,B01N0EETRP,B01LDQSU4W,B0136YXD28,B017C9J9K8,B000JLD2S2′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f6c3d5e1-5112-11e7-9a64-c344a48dc69b’]

Botanical Name :Clintonia borealis
Family: Liliaceae
Genus: Clintonia
Species: C. borealis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Liliales

Common Names : Blue-bead lily or Clintonia, also Clinton’s Lily, Corn Lily, Cow Tongue, Yellow Beadlily, Yellow Bluebeadlily, Snakeberry, Dogberry, Straw Lily

Habitat : The plant is native to the boreal forest in eastern North America, but is also found in other coniferous or mixed forests and in cool temperate maple forests. It is not found in open spaces, and only grows in the shade.

Description:
Clintonia borealis is a small (5–10 in) perennial plants, usually found in homogeneous colonies. At full growth, a shoot has 2–4 clasping and curved, slightly succulent leaves with parallel venation. The flowers are arranged in small umbels at the extremity of a long stalk. They have 6 stamens and 3 identical sepals and petals (tepals). In rare cases more than one umbel is found on a shoot or shoots from a clone. The fruits are small dark blue, lurid berries. A white-berried form (f. albicarpa) also exists.

Click to see the pictures

Click to see the picture

Click to see the picture

The plant reproduces via seed or vegetatively by rhizomes. Flowering in May and June and the bloom color is  Yellow , Green , Brown.  It takes over a dozen years for a clone to establish and produce its first flower, 2 years of which are dedicated solely to germination. The rhizome starts to mold after approximatively 15 years, but a colony often covers several hundred m². Few specimens establish new colonies.

Clintonia borealis is extremely slow to spread, but established clones can usually survive many later modifications, as long as sunlight remains limited. Whereas crossed pollination is more efficient in producing seeds, self-pollination will still produce seeds, allowing the plant to propagate.

Like other slow-growing forest plants, such as Trilliums, Blue-bead lily is extremely sensitive to grazing by White-tailed Deer.

Propagation: Usually propagated by dividing underground runners in fall or early spring, but may also be grown from seed planted immediately after ripening. Plant divisions 1 in. deep. Be careful when handling the rhizomes and roots, because they are brittle. Pulp-

Edible Uses:  The young leaves of the plant are edible while still only a few inches tall. The fruit however, is mildly toxic, and is quite unpleasant tasting.

Medicinal Uses:
The rhizome contains diosgenin, a saponin steroid with estrogenic effects.The plant contains diosgenin a chemical from which progesterone is manufactured. It is anti-inflammatory and Native Americans used it to treat injuries of various kinds from bruises to burns and infections. A root tea was used as a tonic and to aid in childbirth. The leaves are cardiac and disinfectant. A poultice has been applied to open wounds, burns, ulcers, scrofulous sores and infections.

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/Clintonia_borealis
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CLBO3
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_UZ.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Epilobium hirsutum

[amazon_link asins=’B00THLZREW,B015J5TD0I,B007SM5F4Y,B009ZV007I’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bb390348-0480-11e7-bfa5-ff5d87bf579d’][amazon_link asins=’B015J5TD0I’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’9f416ef0-0480-11e7-9430-b3a15fca58f0′]

 

Botanical Name:Epilobium hirsutum
Family: Onagraceae
Genus: Epilobium
Species: E. hirsutum
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Myrtales

Common Names: Great willowherb, Great hairy willowherb or hairy willowherb. Local names include Codlins-and-cream, Apple-pie and Cherry-pie.

Habitat : Epilobium hirsutum is native to Eurasia, where it is found in moist waste ground of the Mediterranean region, Europe, Asia, and Africa.It is absent from much of Scandinavia and north-west Scotland. It has been introduced to North America and Australia.  Common habitats include marshland, ditches and the banks of rivers and streams. It is widespread, often forming large, long-lived colonies in England, Wales, and Ireland. In Scotland it is confined to the east coast. Intolerant of shade, hairy willow-herb is found in damp and waste places to elevations of 2500 meters (8100 feet).It grows on the stream banks, marshes, drier parts of fens etc, to 360 metres.

Description:
It is a tall, perennial plant, reaching up to 2 metres in height. The robust stems are branched and have numerous hairs. The hairy leaves are 2-12 cm long and 0.5-3.5 cm wide. They are long and thin and are widest below the middle. They have sharply-toothed edges and no stalk. The large flowers have four notched petals. These are purple-pink and are usually 10-16 mm long. The stigma is white and has four lobes. The sepals are green.

click to see the pictures…>…...(01)........(1).……(2)..…..(3).….…(4)....(5)..

It flowers from June to September, with a peak in July and August. The flowers are normally pollinated by bees and hoverflies. A number of insects feed on the leaves including the elephant hawkmoth, Deilephila elpenor.

Edible Uses: Tea..…..The leaves are used to make a tea. This is often drunk in Russia, where it is called ‘kaporie tea’. The leaves are also sometimes sucked for their salty taste. Edible leaves. No more details are given in the report but caution is advised, see the notes below on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses:
The leaves of Epilobium hirsutum have been used as astringents, but there are some reports of violent poisoning with epileptic-like convulsions as a result of its use. This remedy has been discarded by professional herbalists as the use of the leaves has been associated with poisonings and convulsions.

Known Hazards : One report says that the plant might be poisonous. Another says that it causes epileptiform convulsions

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/Epilobium_hirsutum
http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/animalsAndPlants/noxious-weeds/weed-identification/hairy-willowherb.aspx
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_UZ.htm

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Epilobium+hirsutum

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Pyrola rotundifolia

[amazon_link asins=’B01BJ4B860′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’004ac60b-3159-11e7-a155-ef9607d80f29′][amazon_link asins=’B01IZPUQNW,B015J7QBDS,B007F6UO5S’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e5201f53-3158-11e7-a548-0d305ac60148′]

 

Botanical Name : Pyrola rotundifolia
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Pyrola
Subgenus: Monotropoideae
Species: P. rotundifolia
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ericales

Common Name :Round-leaved Wintergreen

Habitat : Pyrola rotundifolia is native to Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain  N. and W. Asia. N. E. N. America.  It grows on bogs, fens and woods, especially beech woods, often on limestone, and in dune slacks. Avoids acid soils.

Description:
Pyrola rotundifolia is an evergreen Perennial plant that creeps in growth.The height of the plant is up to 5-6 inches or sometimes little more.
The plant generally grows in large bunches on sandy and barren plains.The branches are stiff and it’s leaves are oval, shiney and petiolate. The flowers bloom in July and June seasons. The Oil odor is pretty unique a fragant and it tastes astrigent.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Jun to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, self.The plant is self-fertile.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES..….

Cultivation:
Prefers a moist sandy woodland soil in a cool position with partial shade. Requires a peaty or leafy but not very acid soil that remains moist in the summer. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c. This is a very ornamental but difficult plant to grow. It requires a mycorrhizal relationship in the soil and therefore needs to be grown initially in soil collected from around an established plant. It is also very difficult from seed as well as being intolerant of root disturbance which makes division difficult. The flowers have a delicious almond-like fragrance.
Propagation:
Seed – the only information we have on this species is that it is difficult from seed and germinates infrequently. We would suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. Sow it into soil collected from around an established plant, only just covering the seed, and put the pot in a shady part of a cold frame. Pot up any young seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle, once again using soil from around an established plant. Plant out into their permanent positions when the plants are large enough. You should not need to use soil from around an established plant to do this since the soil in the pot will contain the necessary micorrhiza. Division with great care in the spring. Pot up the divisions using some soil from around an established plant, grow on in a lightly shaded part of a greenhouse or frame and do not plant out until the plants are growing away vigorously

Medicinal Uses:

The leaves are antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cardiotonic, contraceptive, diuretic, poultice, sedative and tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of skin diseases, as a gargle and a wash for the eyes. It is used internally in the treatment of epilepsy and other nervous afflictions. The leaves are harvested in mid to late summer and can be used fresh or dried. The plant contains arbutin, a proven diuretic and antibacterial agent that is used as a urinary antiseptic, this hydrolyzes in the body into the toxic hydroquinone.
Administer internally for gravel, ulcerations of the bladder, bloody urine and other urinary diseases; useful in the relief of a scrofulous taint from the system; also for epilepsy and other nervous affections. The decoction will be found beneficial as a gargle for sore throat and mouth and as an external wash for sore or ophthalmic eyes.  It is also used in injections for whites and various diseases of the womb. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of skin diseases, as a gargle and a wash for the eyes. It is used internally in the treatment of epilepsy and other nervous afflictions.

Other Uses:
Plants can be used as a ground cover when spaced about 30cm apart each way. They are somewhat slow to settle down though, and only form a good cover when they are growing luxuriantly.

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/Pyrola_rotundifolia
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/10061153
http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2008/10/pyrola_rotundifolia.php
http://www.essentialoil.in/wintergreen-oil.html

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_RST.htm?Voucher2=Connect+to+Internet

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pyrola+rotundifolia

Related articles
css.php