Tag: Spermatophyte

Categories
Herbs & Plants

Prairie Clover

[amazon_link asins=’B00MRKHB26,B006IYE01M,B002V7KYEC,B004YQ55TC,B00BQFLZRA,B006F6OYKU,B00MRKIIHS,B00HME8GIA,B00HME8FZE’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a7ef9706-6dbe-11e7-8d25-4b59bd8f7569′]

Botanical Name : Dalea purpurea
Family :Fabaceae – Pea family
Genus: Dalea L. – prairie clover
Species: Dalea purpurea Vent. – purple prairie clover
Kingdom :Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division :Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class :Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass; Rosidae
Order :Fabales

Synonyms: Petalostemon violaceum. Michx.

Common Name : Clover, Velvet Prairie,Prairie Clover

Habitat :Native in Eastern and central United States. It grows in dry desert and alluvial soils to 2000 metres. Sandy prairies in Texas.

Description:
Purple prairie clover is a perennial forb, 8 to 35 inches (20-90 cm) tall, with a woody stem. The numerous leaves are 0.4-1.6 inches (1-4 cm) long, with 3 to 7 leaflets. The inflorescence is a 0.4- to 2.6-inch (1-7 cm) spike located at the ends of the branches. Branches are numerous, usually 3 per stem, but sometimes as many as 10 to 12. The mature purple prairie clover has a coarse, nonfibrous root system with a strong woody taproot that is 5.5 to 6.5 feet (1.7-2.0 m) deep. The taproot gives rise to several minutely branched lateral roots. The fruit is a 1- to-2-seeded pod enclosed in bracts

click to see the pictures…>..…(01)......(1).……..(2).….…(3).……….…………………..
Bloom Time: June – August
Bloom Color: Rose/Purple

Cultivation :
Requires a well-drained soil in full sun. A deep-rooted plant, it prefers a sandy loam with added leaf mould. This species is well-suited to informal and naturalistic plantings, especially as part of a collection of native species. Plants are monocarpic, living for a number of years without flowering and then dying after flowering. The stems, leaves and flowers are dotted with glands, making the plant look blistered. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagation :
Seed – pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow in early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summe

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Root.
 Tea.…….The root was used for chewing. A pleasant sweet flavour. The dried leaves are a tea substitute

Medicinal Uses:
This was one of the favored plants of the Native Americans of the prairies. A tea made from the leaves was applied to open wounds and a tea made from the bruised leaves steeped in hot water was used to aid in the healing of wounds as well. Some tribes pulverized the root and made a tea from that powder that was a very healthy drink and a preventative medicine. Some tribes used the entire plant as a prophylactic. Early settlers mixed the bark of the white oak tree and the flowers of this species to make a medicine for diarrhea.  The Chippewa Indians made a decoction of the leaves and blossoms to be used in the treatment of heart problems. The Meskwaki Indians used it to treat diarrhea, and they also made an infusion of the roots in the treatment of measles. The Navajo used the plant to treat pneumonia.

A poultice of the steeped bruised leaves has been applied to fresh wounds. A decoction of the leaves and blossoms has been used in the treatment of heart problems, diarrhoea. An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of measles.
Other Uses: Broom……The tough, elastic stems have been made into brooms.

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.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/plant.asp?code=J970
http://www.prairienursery.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_plant_info&products_id=197
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/dalpur/all.html#DISTRIBUTION AND OCCURRENCE
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=DAPU5&photoID=dapu5_4v.jpg

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dalea+purpurea

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Cymopterus fendleri

[amazon_link asins=’B010RJW3WG,B01LDQNI5I,B01KG82B3O,B073JTXWB1,B00ZIXWITA,B06XHG33W2,B00TR8VT0Q,B01N9565OZ,B017CA2HJC’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’fa9cfc68-6dc0-11e7-a46a-1bc81573b403′]

Botanical Name : Cymopterus fendleri
Family : Apiaceae – Carrot family
Genus : Cymopterus Raf. – springparsley
Species: Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. – plains springparsley
Variety :Cymopterus acaulis (Pursh) Raf. var. fendleri (A. Gray) Goodrich – Fendler’s springparsley
Kingdom : Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom : Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision:  Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division : Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Apiales

Synonyms: Cymopterus fendleri,  Cymopterus acaulis variety fendleri.  Cymopterus glomeratus.  (Biscuitroot)

Common Name:Chimaja

Habitat : Found at an altitude of 1500 – 1800 metres in Arizona.Western states of North America.

Description:
Cymopterus fendleri is a perennial hearb.It is hardy to zone 0. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.The root is spindle-shaped, parsnip-like but much softer, sweeter and more tender than the parsnip.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Edible Uses:
Leaves – cooked. The plant has a particularly strong and pleasant odour, it is used as a flavouring in soups and stews. Root – raw or cooked. Used as a flavouring. An aromatic flavour.

The root is also edible.This root is collected largely by the Mexicans and also by the Ute and Piute Indians.

Propagation : Seed – we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse. As soon as 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 in spring or autumn might be possible.

Cultivation:Found at an altitude of 1500 – 1800 metres in Arizona.

Medicinal Uses:
The leaves and seeds are brewed as a tea for weak stomach and indigestion with gas. Steeped in whiskey or tequila, a sip serves the same purpose. Simple tea of leaves and seeds.

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?Cymopterus+fendleri
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CYACF&photoID=cyfe_2v.jpg
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/sturtevant/cymopterus.html

Related articles
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Narrow Leaf Cattail

[amazon_link asins=’B015OUF8A2,B00BUAZ6LW,B01MZ01OR4,B01MDNABKY’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’e9fc9b35-4ac8-11e7-a1b7-5da3c2b5e05c’]

Botanical Name : Typha angustifolia
Family: Typhaceae – Cat-tail family
Genus : Typha L. – cattail
Species :Typha angustifolia L. – narrowleaf cattail
Kingdom:Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision : Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division:  Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass: Commelinidae
Order: Typhales

Synonyms:
Typha angustifolia L.
TYANC Typha angustifolia L. var. calumetensis Peattie
TYANE Typha angustifolia L. var. elongata (Dudley) Wiegand

Common Name : Lesser Bulrush or Narrowleaf Cattail or Lesser Reedmace or Cattail

Habitat :This cattail is an “obligate wetland” species that is commonly found in the northern hemisphere in brackish locations.

Description:
Typha angustifolia is a perennial herbaceous plant of genus.
The plant’s leaves are flat, very narrow (¼”-½” wide), and 3′-6′ tall when mature; 12-16 leaves arise from each vegetative shoot. At maturity, they have distinctive stalks that are about as tall as the leaves; the stalks are topped with brown, fluffy, sausage-shaped flowering heads. The plants have sturdy, rhizomatous roots that can extend 27″ and are typically ¾”-1½” in diameter.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
It has been proposed that the species was introduced from Europe to North America.  In North America, it is also thought to have been introduced from coastal to inland locations.

The geographic range of Typha angustifolia overlaps with the very similar species Typha latifolia (broadleaf or common cattail). T. angustifolia can be distinguished from T. latifolia by its narrower leaves and by a clear separation of two different regions (staminate flowers above and pistilate flowers below) on the flowering heads. The species hybridize as Typha x glauca (Typha angustifolia x T. latifolia) (white cattail); Typha x glauca is not a distinct species, but is rather a sterile F1 hybrid.[6] Broadleaf cattail is usually found in shallower water than narrowleaf cattail

Edible Uses:
Several parts of the plant are edible, including during various seasons the dormant sprouts on roots and bases of leaves, the inner core of the stalk, green bloom spikes, ripe pollen, and starchy roots. The edible stem is called bon bon in Vietnam

Medicinal Uses:
In Chinese herbal medicine, the astringent pu huang pollen has been employed chiefly to stop internal or external bleeding.  The dried pollen is said to be anticoagulant, but when roasted with charcoal it becomes hemostatic. The pollen may be mixed with honey and applied to wounds and sores, or taken orally to reduce internal bleeding of almost any kind—for example, nosebleeds, uterine bleeding, or blood in the urine.  The pollen is now also used in the treatment of angina.  Pu huang does not appear to have been used as a medicine in the European herbal tradition.  The dregs remaining after the pollen has been sifted from the stamens and sepals can be browned in an oven or hot skillet and then used as an internal or external astringent in dysentery and other forms of bowel hemorrhage.  It is used internally in the treatment of kidney stones, internal hemorrhage of almost any kind, painful menstruation, abnormal uterine bleeding, post-partum pains, abscesses and cancer of the lymphatic system. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women. Externally, it is used in the treatment of tapeworms, diarrhea and injuries.  An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of 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/Typha_angustifolia
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TYAN&photoID=tyan_004_avp.tif
http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/aquatics/typhaan.html
http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm
http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/typhaangu.html

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Carrion Flower

[amazon_link asins=’B06XHPCJ1Z,B06XQM8N31,B06XQ168P5,B00LAFWX90,B00W8MEJ00,B06ZXTGB8K,B01MSK41H6,1552127575,B00LAFWXTU’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’97cf11d0-6dce-11e7-95a5-119845f60b5f’]

Botanical Name :Smilax herbacea
Family :Smilacaceae – Catbrier family
Genus :Smilax L. – greenbrier
Species: Smilax herbacea L. – smooth carrionflower
Kingdom :Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class :Liliopsida – Monocotyledons
Subclass: Liliidae
Order: Liliales

Common Name :Carrion Flower

Habitat :According to official records, Smooth Carrion Flower is rare in Illinois. However, in neighboring states this vine has been found in many counties and it is regarded as more common. It is possible that some records of Smilax lasioneura (Common Carrion Flower) in Illinois are based on misidentifications and it was Smooth Carrion Flower that was observed. These two species are very similar in appearance and easily confused. Habitats of Smooth Carrion Flower include savannas, thickets, prairies, rocky upland woodlands, woodland openings, woodland borders, and fence rows. Occasional wildfires appear to be beneficial in managing populations of this species.

Description:
This climbing non-woody vine is a native perennial up to 8′ long that branches occasionally. The light green to purple stems are terete, slightly speckled, glabrous, and often glaucous. Alternate leaves up to 3½” long and 2½” across occur at intervals along each stem; they are ovate-oval to broadly ovate-lanceolate in shape, smooth along their margins, and parallel-veined. The upper surfaces of the leaves are medium green and glabrous, while their lower surfaces are pale green and hairless. There are no hairs along the raised veins on the leaf undersides. The petioles of the leaves are up to 1¾” long, light green, and hairless. At the base of most petioles, there is a pair of tendrils that can cling to adjacent vegetation or objects for support. At the base of each stem on the vine, there is an appressed to slightly spreading sheath that is usually bladeless.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

Individual umbels of flowers are produced from the axils of the middle to upper leaves of each mature vine. Each umbel is connected to the stem by a long stout peduncle about 4-10″ long. The peduncles are 4-8 times longer than the petioles of adjacent leaves; they are similar in appearance to the stems. Individual umbels are about 1½–3″ across, consisting of 20-120 flowers on slender pedicels; when fully developed, they are globoid in shape. Like other species in this genus, Smooth Carrion Flower is dioecious; some vines produce only staminate (male) flowers, while other vines produce only pistillate (female) flowers. The green to yellowish green staminate flowers are individually about ¼” across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and 6 stamens with white anthers. The green to yellowish green pistillate flowers are individually about ¼” across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and a pistil with 3 flattened stigmata. The tepals of both kinds of flowers are often recurved. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers often have a carrion-like scent, but its presence and strength varies with the local ecotype. Staminate flowers wither away after blooming, while pistillate flowers are replaced by globoid fleshy berries. Individual berries are about ¼” across and contain about 3-5 seeds; they are dark blue and glaucous at maturity. At the end of the growing season, the entire vine dies down to the ground.

Cultivation: Smooth Carrion Flower prefers full or partial sun and more or less mesic conditions. It flourishes in different kinds of soil, including those that are rocky or loamy. In a shady situation, this vine may fail to produce flowers.

Medicinal Uses:
Eating the fruit is said to be effective in treating hoarseness.  The parched and powdered leaves havebeen used as a dressing on burns. The wilted leaves have been used as a dressing on boils. The root is analgesic. A decoction has been used in the treatment of back pains, stomach complaints, lung disorders and kidney problems.

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.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SMHE
http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/smilaxherb.html
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/savanna/plants/sm_carrion.htm

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
Categories
Herbs & Plants

Carpetweed

[amazon_link asins=’B006B9K45A,B015BSW16Q,B000KUHP6W,B00GWWX0UW,B01661GWDA,B0106RAF4M,B00DL0GW30,B00MXD2EV0,080932380X’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’c0e8f64e-6dcf-11e7-a4f3-1765ebe97dec’]

Botanical Name : Mollugo verticillata
Family :Molluginaceae – Carpet-weed family
Genus:  Mollugo L. – carpetweed
Species :Mollugo verticillata L. – green carpetweed
Kingdom : Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision:  Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division : Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class:  Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Caryophyllidae
Order : Caryophyllales

Common Name: Carpetweed, Indian Chickweed, Green carpetweed

Habitat :Carpetweed is native to tropical America. In eastern North America it is a common weed growing in disturbed areas. It forms a prostrate circular mat that can quickly climb over nearby plants and obstacles. It grows in   sandy river banks, roadsides and cultivated ground. Weedy in fields, gardens, roadsides, moist to dry soils and sand; from sea level to 3000 metres.

Description:
Carpetweed is a rapidly spreading annual plant.It is a common weed growing in disturbed areas. It forms a prostrate circular mat that can quickly climb over nearby plants and obstacles.

CLICK & SEE  THE  PICTURES

Carpetweed has narrow, whorled leaves of 3-8 at each node. Leaves are about 1-3 cm in length. The flowers are usually in clusters of 2-5, blooming from July through September. They are white or greenish white with tiny 5-15 mm stalks. Flowers quickly turn into fruit that is egg shaped and 1.5-4 mm in length. The seeds are 0.5 mm long and are orange-red.

Propagation: Seeds

Edible Uses: Used as a pot herb

Medicinal Uses:
In experiments with mice,  Nitric oxide (NO) release was evaluated in mice peritoneal cell cultures treated in vivo using the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata with and without BCG. The plant extract showed immunostimulatory activity when peritoneal cells were stimulated in vitro with BCG antigen only. However, mice peritoneal cells treated with M. verticillata plus BCG showed a drastic reduction in NO production when they received the additional stimulus in vitro with BCG. Ethanolic extracts of M. verticillata could directly increase NO release by peritoneal cells, but suppress the immune response of these cells when treated with BCG antigen and Mycobacterium tuberculosis whole antigen (TB). Preliminary phytochemical tests allowed the detection of quercetin and triterpenoid glycosides in the ethanolic extract of M. verticillata, and those compounds are probably responsible for the effect of this plant material on the immune system.

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.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=MOVE&photoID=move_001_avd.tif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mollugo_verticillata
http://www.ct-botanical-society.org/galleries/mollugovert.html
http://luirig.altervista.org/schedeit/fo/mollugo_verticillata.htm

http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Mollugo+verticillata

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta
css.php