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Practical ecological knowledge for the temperate reader. |
Family: Boraginaceae (Borage) [E-flora]
"[Annual] perennial herb (may flowering 1st year); hairs bristly, bases bulbous or not. Stem: ± erect. Leaf: basal and cauline, petioled to sessile, clasping, lance-linear [oblong to oblanceolate], ± entire. Inflorescence: axillary or terminal, generally spike-like cymes; tip coiled. Flower: corolla funnel-shaped to salverform, pale blue to violet, appendages 5, ovate to oblong, ± puberulent; stamens included to exserted. Fruit: nutlets 1–4, erect, ± ovoid, irregularly angled or wrinkled, exposed attachment scar basal or oblique, scar surrounded by thick rim.
± 35 species: Eurasia, Africa. Ornamental, cultivated for drugs, dyes. (Greek: ancient name for alkanet) Anchusa arvensis (L.) M. Bieb. occasionally in orchards.
Unabridged references: [Greuter 1965 Candollea 20:192–210]" [Jepson]
Usage of Related Sp;
(Anchusa officinalis)"“The gentlewomen of France do paint their faces with these roots. as it is said” (Gerard). Anchusa is from the Greek meaning to paint or dye (another species is Dyer’s Bugloss (A tinctoria). Alkanet seems to be one of the most ancient of face cosmetics (Clair). This use of the roots for making rouge led to the plant becoming known as a symbol of falsehood (Folkard)." [MPFT]
Anchusa undulata L. - Basal leaves, stewed [Tardio,2006]
Origin Status: Exotic [E-flora]
Synonyms
anchusaheavymetals.JPG
anchusaheavymetals2.JPG [freitas2004]
General: "Perennial herb from a taproot, spreading stiff-hairy; stems mostly single, 0.4-1.5 m tall."[IFBC-E-flora]
Identification
"Anchusa azurea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 3. It is in flower from Jun to August, and the seeds ripen from Jul to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought." [PFAF]
Habitat / Range
"Mesic to dry waste places, forest edges and shrubby banks in the lowland zone; rare on Vancouver Island, known only from Malahat area; introduced from Europe."[IFBC-E-flora]
"Sides of arable fields, waste places, roadsides and steppes on stony hills[45, 187]. Europe - Caucasus. An occasional garden escape in Britain[17]." [PFAF]
Status: Exotic.[E-flora]
General: "Perennial herb from a taproot, spreading stiff-hairy; stems mostly single, 0.4-1.5 m tall." [IFBC-E-flora]
Anchusa azurea (BORAGINACEAE)
Melancholy [FontQuer] [Duke]
Anchusa italica (BORAGINACEAE)
Diaphoretic Al-Rawi; Diuretic Al-Rawi; Lower Al-Rawi; Tea Al-Rawi; Tonic Al-Rawi [Duke2]
"Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sunny position[1, 111]. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil[111]. Tolerates heavy clay[200]. Requires a deep well-drained soil[187]. Established plants tolerate drought[187]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[187]. The flowers are a good source of food for bees[1]. Many named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[187]. The plants tend to be short-lived perennials but they can be propagated by means of root cuttings[187]." [PFAF]
"Seed - sow spring in pots of sandy soil[200]. An overnight drop in temperature helps germination[133]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 4 weeks at 21°c[133]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in early spring[200]. Root cuttings in autumn or early winter. Late winter is best[200]." [PFAF]
Synonyms
A. italica. [E-flora]
"Anchusa officinalis is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil." [PFAF]
General: "Biennial or perennial herb from a taproot, softly spreading-hairy; stems often several, 30-80 cm tall.[IFBC-E-flora]
Habitat/Range: "Dry roadsides and waste places in the lowland, steppe and lower montane zones; rare in SC BC and S Vancouver Island; introduced from Europe.[IFBC-E-flora]
Status: Exotic.[E-flora]
Food Use
Other Use
Medicinal Use
"All parts of the plant are demulcent and expectorant[9]. They are used externally to treat cuts, bruises and phlebitis and internally to treat coughs and bronchial catarrh[9]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used in the treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers[9]." [PFAF]
Doctrine of Signatures
Cultivation
"Succeeds in most soils, preferring a sunny position[1]. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil[111]. The flowers are a rich source of nectar and are very attractive to bees[1]. The dry leaves emit a rich musky fragrance, rather like wild strawberry leaves drying." [PFAF]
Synonyms
References