Walking around corfu

[kevin-beverly]

HI

montbretia,falling stars, Valentine flower,

Crocosmia

Is a small genus of flowering plants in the iris family, Iridaceae. It is native to the grasslands of southern and eastern Africa, ranging from South Africa to Sudan. One species is endemic to Madagascar and though Europe and around the world
 probably originally introduced to other countries along sea routes. Their wide distribution has led to Crocosmia x crocosmiflora becoming invasive in parts of the US, UK and New Zealand.
Growing crocosmia flowers in the landscape produces masses of sword-shaped foliage and brightly colored blooms. Crocosmias are members of the Iris family.

Plant the corms in spring about 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm.) apart at a depth of 3 to 5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm.). Plant them in clusters for maximum effect. The corms will naturalize, or produce offsets, over time.

The alternative name montbretia is still widely used. The genus name is derived from the Greek words krokos, meaning "saffron", and osme, meaning "odor" – from the dried leaves emitting a strong smell like that of saffron (a spice derived from Crocus – another genus belonging to the Iridaceae) – when immersed in hot water

Crocosmia flowers are harvested for cutting when the lower blooms have just begun to open. Hold the stems in 100 F. (38 C.) water in a dark place for 48 hours. This increases the length of time the flowers will stay fresh in a cut floral display. Growing and caring for crocosmias is easy and once planted, you’ll be rewarded by beautiful blooms each year.

Family:   Iridaceae
Subfamily:   Crocoideae
Tribe:   Freesieae
Genus:   Crocosmia
Planch.
Type species
Crocosmia aurea

HABITAT
Woodland,Grassland,Wasteland,Succeeding in warm temperate to tropical areas, it is able to tolerate occasional low temperatures down to -5c
Prefers an open, well-drained, moisture-retentive, humus-rich soil and a position in full sun or light shade

Crocosmias are grown worldwide, and more than 400 cultivars have been produced. Some hybrids have become invasive, especially C. × crocosmiiflora hybrids, which are invasive in the UK, New Zealand, the American Pacific Northwest, and probably elsewhere. Crocosmia are winter-hardy in temperate regions.
Genus of 8 species

They can be evergreen or deciduous perennials that grow from basal underground corms. The alternate leaves are cauline and ensiform (sword shaped). The blades are parallel-veined. The margin is entire. The corms form in vertical chains with the youngest at the top and oldest and largest buried most deeply in the soil. The roots of the lowermost corm in a chain are contractile roots and drag the corm deeper into the ground where conditions allow. The chains of corms are fragile and easily separated, a quality that has enabled some species to become invasive and difficult to control in the garden.
They have colourful inflorescences of 4 to 20 vivid red and orange subopposite flowers on a divaricately (horizontally) branched stem. The terminal inflorescence can have the form of a cyme or a raceme. These flower from early summer well into fall. The flowers are sessile on a flexuose arched spike. The fertile flowers are hermaphroditic. All stamens have an equal length. The style branches are apically forked. They are pollinated by insects, birds (sunbirds) or by the wind. The dehiscent capsules are shorter than they are wide.
The name most common is Crocosmia Lucifer








Crocosmia 'Lucifer' has no toxic effects reported.


Landscape, Crocosmia good for wildlife Bees Beneficial insects Birds Butterflies​/​Moths Other pollinators. Parks,Gardens A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers and used as a saffron substitute for colouring foods




However, Pott's Crocosmia, one of the 'parents', is a Zulu medicinal plant called Undwendweni, used to treat infertility (and thanks to 21stCenturyNaturalist for the information). Valentine flower (Crocosmia aurea), the other 'parent' is used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea.

[kevin-beverly]

HI
Do you sometimes think you say or read a word and you wounder where it comes from
Well lot of our words came from Ancient Greek
The plants and flowers of ancient Greece were rich in mythology and the plants can be seen all over Corfu

In Greek mythology, the name Chloris means “greenish-yellow”, “pale green”, “pale”, “pallid”, or “fresh”, and she  was a nymph or goddess, connected to spring, flowers and new growth. Chloris, was abducted by Zephyrus, the god of the west, who turned her into a goddess, once they were married, together, they had son, Karpos, it’s thought her home was the  Elysian Fields.
Chloris was also thought to have been answerable for the metamorphosis of Adonis, Attis, Crocus, Hyacinthus and Narcissus into flowers

Not all plants are a Myth a lot of plants are our medicine we all use today

(Althaea officinalis
The marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is cultivated in many countries, since even those uninterested in its healing powers are readily impressed by the abundant flowers it presents every spring. Ancient Greek physicians used to add the root to grape must and, after a period of fermentation, administered the resulting wine for the healing of wounds and abscesses. Today, its sweet, mucilaginous root is used to relieve non-productive coughs and offers great service in cases of gastritis and enteritis, while poultices made from it aid in recovery from burns and wounds; the efficacy of these uses are supported by our present understanding of the plant.
     


Aconitum napellus
Monkshood, Wolf's-bane  An herbaceous perennial plant with purplish-blue flowers which grows up to a metre in height. Its leaves and roots are extremely extremely toxic and were used by the ancients as a poison. The Greek's called it akoniton (without dirt) because it grows on rocky ground, and lykoktonon (wolf-slaying) because it was traditionally applied by their arrows when hunting wolves.
Spittle of Kerberos. Herakles was sent to fetch Kerberos forth from the underworld as one of his twelve labours. The spittle of the beast dripped upon the earth, and from it sprang the first aconite plant.
 Poison of Medea. Theseus once travelled to Athens to present himself to his long lost father King Aegeas. The king's wife Medea, recognised the youth, and persuaded Aegeas to let her offer him a cup of wine laced with deadly aconite. However, just in time, Aegeas caught sight of the sword which he had left Theseus to be a mark of his paternity, and dashed the cup from his hands.
     


Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice The therapeutic use of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) can be traced back almost 4,000 years, with an entry inscribed in the Babylonian Code of Hammurabi (18th century BC) revealing its use as a treatment for asthma. The modern scientific view of licorice largely confirms ancient beliefs, attributing its properties to the glycyrrhizin it contains – a substance that also acts as a powerful antiviral.



Malus domestica
Apple The apple-tree was an important orchard fruit of ancient Greece. It was associated with love and marriage.
Hera (assoc. with weddings), Aphrodite (assoc. with love)
Wedding of Hera. The earth-goddess Gaia produced first apple-tree as a wedding-present for the goddess Hera. This tree of the golden apples was guarded by the three goddess Hesperides.
 Judgment of Paris. At the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, Eris the goddess of strife, cast a golden apple addressed to the fairest amongst the goddesses. Aphrodite, Hera and Athene all laid claim to the prize. They were referred by Zeus to the shepherd prince Paris, who awarded the apple to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty.
 Melanion & Atalanta. The beautiful-princess Atalanta was reluctant to wed, and insisted that her suitors best her in a race. Those who failed the contest would be put to death by her father. The youth Melanion (meaning he of the apples) prayed to Aphrodite for help, and the goddess presented him with three golden apples. These he cast before the princess in the race, slowing her down as she stooped to retrieve them and so won the race.
 Nymphai Epimelides. The nymph-protectors of apple-orchards.


Petroselinum crispum
Parsley Ancient Greeks associated parsley with death, it was supposed to have sprung from the blood of Archemorous, whose name meant, forerunner of death. In modern herbalism, parsley seeds are used as a strong diuretic and kidney-cleanser, and the leaves are a good source of nutrition in salads, rich in vitamins A, C, And E. Parsley is often added to meals to enhance the flavour or presentation of a dish.



Olea europaea
Olive The olive tree was the most relished tree in ancient Greece. It was especially important to Athena, the goddess of wisdom, war, and divine intelligence; and Zeus, god of sky, thunder, and justice. The leaves can be used to treat arthritis, prevent diabetes, and lower high blood pressure as well as improve brain function. Olive oil protects against cardiovascular issues and strokes.


The name Aster comes from the ancient Greek word ἀστήρ (astḗr), meaning “star”.
When the god Zeus, flooded the earth in order to kill off warring men, the goddess, Astraea, the ‘maiden’ of the zodiac sign Virgo, (daughter of Astraeus and Eos, the virgin goddess of justice, innocence, purity and precision), was so upset, that all she wished for was to become a star.
Her wish came true, but on seeing the destruction as the flood waters receded she wept for the loss of lives. As her tears fell to Earth, the beautiful aster flower burst forth.
Another myth states that when King Aegeus’ son, Theseus, left to kill the Minotaur, he told his father he would change his black sail to white, when he sailed home to Athens, to announce his victory.
Theseus forgot to change his sail and sailed into Athens with a black sail.
Believing his son dead,  King Aegeus, committed suicide.
It is believed that asters bloomed where his blood soaked the earth.
Another legend is that asters were formed when Virgo scattered stardust over the Earth, wherever the stardust came to rest, aster flowers bloomed.
Asters were sacred to the ancient Greeks and were used in wreaths placed on altars; they also burned aster leaves to ward off snakes and evil spirits.
The aster is also a symbol of Aphrodite (Venus), the goddess of love.


Campanula
Bellflower  Campanula is also known as Venus’ looking glass and gets its name from a Greek myth in which Venus (Aphrodite, goddess of love, beauty, desire, fertility, prosperity and victory), misplaces her magic mirror, anyone who looked in it would see nothing but beauty.
A poor shepherd boy found it, but would not give it back because he had become entranced with his own image.
Aphrodite orders her son, Eros (Cupid) to go and look for it, which he does but in his haste, Eros struck the shepherd’s hand and the mirror shattered breaks it into a thousand pieces,  everywhere a piece of it landed, a Venus-looking-glass flower began to grow.



Dianthus
Flowers of the gods  Dianthus comes from the Greek words dios, meaning god and anthos, meaning flower.
The Greek botanist, Theophrastus, deemed this the perfect match of words for the name of the flower, dianthus.
Dianthus may have originated from the myth of Artemis (Diana) but as in nearly all Greek myths, there are a few variations of this story.
One interpretation is that Artemis, goddess of the hunt, was on her way home after a disappointing hunting trip, when she chanced upon a shepherd playing a flute, she immediately blamed his music on the unsuccessfulness of her hunt.
In a fit of anger, Artemis, gouged out his eyes but as soon as her rage had passed, she felt such remorse, that  where the eyes fell, red carnations grew as sign of innocent blood.
Others suggest the name carnation comes from the word corone (flower garlands) or coronation as carnations were used prolifically in Greek ceremonial crowns.



Hellebore
 Christmas Rose In Greek mythology, hellebore was used by the ancients for a variety of medicinal purposes, including treating paralysis, gout and even insanity. Melampus, soothsayer and healer and his brother Bias, used hellebore to cure the madness of King Proetus of Argos’s three daughters, Lysippe, Iphinoe and Iphianassa and other Greek women, whom, after being cursed by Dionysus, god of wine, lost their minds and went on the rampage through the mountains and desert of Tiryns, believing they were cows!
As payment, Melampus and his brother Bias, amassed a third of the wealth of Argos, when they married the princesses they had cured, thus claiming their dowry.


Iris
The Iris takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, ίριδ- irida, which is also the name for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.
The iris means eye of heaven, and is named after the Greek goddess of the Rainbow, fertility, Colours, the Sea, Heraldry, the Sky, truth, and oaths, who was said to carry messages between Earth and the god Zeus, and  goddess Hera.
Iris, was thought to use the rainbow as a bridge between heaven and earth, some say the ancient Greeks believed the rainbow was the many coloured robe of Iris whilst others believed the multi-coloured iris flowers were part of her robe or the flowing veil from her dress.
The most common colours for the iris are purple or blue, although they are found in yellow, pink and red, the ancient Greeks planted purple iris flowers on the graves of women, believing they would entice the Goddess Iris to lead their loved ones in their journey to heaven.


Hyacinth
 (This Greek myth is the same as the crocus myth, only the characters differ.)
Known for his great beauty, Hyacinth, Ὑάκινθος Huákinthos, a Spartan Prince, was a lover of Apollo, the sun god but was also much admired by the West wind Zephyrus, who was so jealous of Apollo that  he was just biding his time, until an opportunity came along, to put Apollo out of the running.
One afternoon, the opportunity arose when Apollo and Hyacinth were throwing a discus around.
Showing off to his lover, Hyacinth ran to catch the discus, Zephyrus saw his chance and blew the discus off course causing it to strike Hyacinth on the head, felling him instantly.
As Apollo wept over Hyacinth, his tears, which dropped on the ground, turned into the beautifully scented   flowers, the hyacinths.


Lilium
The lily was dedicated to the goddess Hera, the goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth, and the wife of Zeus, god of the sky, lightning and the thunder in Ancient Greece, ruler of all the gods on Mount Olympus.
Zeus, not the best of husbands, was having a thing with Alceme, a mere mortal, the end result being, he fathered the the Ancient Greek hero Hercules.
Zeus, as any father, wanted only the best for his baby son and knew nothing topped the milk of Hera, his wife, when it came to raising Greek gods, how though, could he persuade Hera to nourish the child of her husband’s illicit affair?
There was only one thing for it, Zeus drugged Hera, waited for her to fall into deep slumber, and placed Hercules at her breast.
Hera, though, awoke with a start and flung the poor baby from her, the milk, gushing from her breast, sprayed across the heavens, forming the Milky Way, the few drops which fell to Earth, sprang up as lily flowers.
The lily symbolizes purity and beauty and depending on the colour or type, the lily sends different messages, white is for modesty and virginity, orange is for passion and yellow for joy.


Narcissus
 The Greek myth about the narcissus flower is a cautionary tale about the imperfections of humans.
Narcissus had the looks to make any Greek god jealous, and, in his neighborhood, was considered quite the catch, all the village girls dreamed of being the one to take his fancy.
Narcissus, though, had no time for girls; he was too taken up with himself and scorned the advances of all, including the poor nymph, Echo (who could talk the hind legs off a donkey), who was head over heels in love with him.
Echo tried her best to gain the attention of Narcissus, to no avail, at her wits end, seeing him alone in the woods one day, Echo drew up her courage and threw her arms around him.
Narcissus, taken by surprise, exclaimed ‘Hands off! I would rather die than you should have me!’
Mortified with shame, Echo ran to hide in the woods and from that time on, lived in a cave, her body wasting away from sadness; her bones changed into rocks, there was nothing left but her voice, with which she repeated anything she heard called out by passersby, she had become her namesake, Echo.
When, Nemesis, the goddess of revenge heard of Narcissus’s abominable behaviour towards Echo, she wanted retribution, she enticed Narcissus to a pond, where he saw his own reflection and instantly fell madly in love with it.
Totally absorbed in his reflection in the water, Narcissus lost his footing and tumbled into the pond, where he drowned.
In the spot where Narcissus had sat gazing at himself in the water, there appeared a flower, the narcissus, a flower symbolizing selfishness and cold-heartedness.
Today psychologists use the term narcissist to describe someone who thinks only of themselves.


Rosa
 The Greek word for rose is τριαντάφυλλο-triadafilo, or ρόδο-rodo.
In Greek mythology, the rose, the Queen of flowers, is said to have been created by the goddess of flowers, Chloris, who was said to breathe roses as she spoke.
One day, as Chloris was wandering through the woods, she came upon the lifeless body of a breathtakingly beautiful young nymph.
Chloris was greatly saddened by the loss of such exquisite beauty, and feeling compassion for the poor nymph, transformed her into a flower, so that her beauty may live on.
Chloris summoned her friends, Aphrodite (Venus), goddess of love, and Dionysus, the god of wine to assist her.
As her gift, Aphrodite gave the flower beauty, Dionysus offered  nectar to give it a sweet scent, Zephyrus, god of the West Wind, blew away the clouds, allowing the sun of Apollo, the sun god, to shine through to  help the flower bloom.
The rose, the flower of passion and love, is also associated with Aphrodite the goddess of love, when her tears fell to the ground, whilst weeping over the mortally wounded Adonis, they became the superb flower which we today call the rose.
According to the poet, Anacreon, white roses appeared from the sea foam which fell from Aphrodite’s (Venus) body as she arose from the sea.
The white colour symbolized her innocence and purity, later in her life; Aphrodite bled on a white rose whilst trying to heal the wounded Adonis which resulted in the red roses becoming a symbol of passion and desire.

[kevin-beverly]

HI

PAGE TWO

Prunus amygdalus
Almond tree  A small deciduous tree growing 4 to 9 metres tall. In Greek
ΔΕΝΤΡΟ ALMOND [DENTRO ALMOND] It flowers in pink-white blossoms in the spring and produces an autumn crop of edible nuts in a tough shell.  Birth of Attis. In Phrygia there was born an hermaphroditic deity named Agdistis. The gods were fearful and castrated it creating the goddess Kybele. The genitals were cast upon the earth where they sprouted and grew into an almond tree. Once when the nymph Nana was sitting beneath its branches a nut fell into her lap and impregnated her. The child conceived was Attis, who grew up to became the consort of the Kybele.



Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel was first known in Greek mythology as the plant Prometheus used to steal fire from the demigods. It was also the herb that covered the battlefield of Marathon. It’s used medicinally to relieve all manners of digestive disorders, especially bloating. This sweet herb can also stimulate appetite, and it touts diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fennel in Greek μάραθο [máratho]
 


Anemone coronaria
Greek ἀνεμώνη (anemōnē) means ‘daughter of the wind’, from ἄνεμος (ánemos ‘wind).
Greek mythology links the anemone, sometimes called the windflower, to the death of Adonis, a handsome youth, who was loved by two women, Persephone, queen of the underworld, and Aphrodite (Venus), goddess of love.
Aphrodite, upon hearing the cries of her lover, ran to his side, only to witness Adonis bleeding to death.
 Red anemones sprang from the earth where the drops of Adonis’s blood fell, (In another version of the story, the anemones were white before the death of Adonis, whose blood turned them to red).
Said to bring luck and protect against evil, legend has it that when the anemone closes its petals, it’s a signal that rain is approaching.




Delphinium
 From the Ancient Greek word δελφίνιον (delphínion) which means dolphin, said to be how the plant got its name because of its dolphin-shaped flowers.
In Greek mythology, after the death of Achilles, after the Battle of Troy, Ajax and Ulysses fought with each other, over the body of Achilles, they would each have parts of him, they decided, but could not agree on who should have the arms.
After some deliberation, the Greeks decided Ulysses should have them, Ajax in fit of rage, took up his sword and committed suicide, resulting in his blood pouring onto the ground.
The larkspur, also known as knightspur, bloomed where Ajax’s blood had fallen.
The letters A I A, the initials of Ajax, are believed to appear on the petals of the flowers as a remembrance of Ajax.



Fraxinus ornus
Ash tree : A small spring-flowering deciduous tree. It secretes a sweet sap known as manna in July and August which was harvested by the ancients. Manna was believed to be closely related to honey (the word for both was meli in Greek). The tree was said to have been first sprung from the blood of heaven, and its manna was often described as the sky-fallen juice of the stars. The stem of the young ash was in the crafting spear-shafts.
Zeus (manna juice), Kouretes & Ares (ash-spears)
Nymphai Meliai. The Meliai were the Nymphs of the manna ash-tree who were born from the blood of the castrated Ouranos which splattered upon the earth. They were entrusted with the raising of the infant Zeus whom they fed on the honey and the milk of the goat Amaltheia. The Meliai were also the ancestresses of mankind. (Source: Hesiod, Apollodorus, Callimachus,
et al)
 Pelian Ash Spear. The spear of Akhilleus, the great hero of the Trojan War, was crafted by the centaur Kheiron for his father Peleus from an ash growing on Mount Pelion.



Ulmus glabra
Elm tree  A deciduous tree which grows to a height of up to 40 metres. It has large oval leaves.
Dionysos (elm and plane saplings were used for the trellacing of vines) ; Haides (the tree was associated with graves of the dead)
 Tree of Dreams. The Oneiroi, spirits of dreams, roosted on the branches an elm tree near the entrance of Haides. (Source: Virgil)
Barrow of Eetion. The Nymphs planted elms on the barrow of Eetion, the king of Trojan Thebes, who was slain by Akhilleus. (Source: Homer)
Metamorphosis Hesperides. When Orpheus and the Argonauts encountered the Hesperides in their garden, the three nymphs transformed themselves into trees: Erytheia became an elm (ptelea), Hesperiea poplar (aigeiros), and Aigle a willow tree (itea). (Source: Apollonius Rhodius) Hamadryas Ptelea. The Hamadryad nymph of the elm tree.
In Greek Φτελιά [Fteliá]


Petroselinum crispum
Parsley was believed to have sprung from the Greek hero, Archemorous, the forerunner of death. According to legend, the plant first sprouted in the blood of Archemorus. This myth caused the ancient Greeks to hold that parsley was sacred and also evil.
In Greek μαϊντανός [maïntanós]


Papaver rhoeas
The common Poppy  The Greek word for poppy is παπαρούνα–paparouna.
In Ancient Greece, the poppy was a symbol of sleep and death, associated with Morpheus, God of sleep and dreams, and Demeter, Goddess of agriculture.
Morpheus slept in a cave full of poppy seeds while shaping dreams and this is why the opium – based medication, used for insomnia, as well as pain, is known as morphine.
It is said that Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, created the poppy so she could sleep, Theocritus, a Sicilian poet, c. 300 BC, described one of Demeter’s earlier roles as that of a goddess of poppies and in many myths, poppies were used as offerings to the dead, as their bright scarlet colour was thought to signify the promise of resurrection after death.
In a clay statue from Gazi , Crete, ‘The Minoan poppy goddess’ wears poppy seeds in her crown, thought to be sources of nourishment and narcosis.
Some sources say, Rhea, the mother of goddess’ and her daughter, Demeter, brought the poppy from her Cretan cult to Eleusis and it is almost certain that in the Cretan cult circle, opium was derived from poppies.



Viola[violet]
The Greek word for violet is βιολέτα, violeta, or ιόχρους-iochrous.
The ancient Greeks loved this delicately perfumed flower indeed,
The Greek word for violet is io, which was also the name of the daughter of Inachos, the first King of Argos, Io was a mortal and a priestess of the goddess Hera, goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth, and wife of Zeus, king of the Greek gods.
Zeus, a known philanderer, loved Io deeply but was wary of the legendary wrath of his wife, Hera, and on no account wished for her to discover his affair.
In order to elude Hera, Zeus turned Io into a white heifer (some versions of the myth have it that Hera herself transformed Io).



Hedera helix
Ivy creeping vine which flowers in autumn and whose black berries ripen in late winter.
Dionysos (ivy garlands were worn by celebrants of the god's orgies and ivy was used to decorate their thyrsos-staffs)
Nursing of Dionysos. After the birth of Dionysos his jealous stepmother Hera sought to destroy him. So his nurses, the Nymphai Nysiades, screened his crib with ivy-leaves to keep him safely hidden. Kisseis (the lady of the ivy) was the name of one of these Nymphs. (Source: Ovid)
Korymbos. The son of one of the nurses of Dionysos. He was the god of the fruit of the ivy (in Greek korymbos)


Lactuca serriola
 The ancient Greeks cultivated the wild prickly lettuce. The plant has tall stalks with elongated leaves, yellow flowers and feathery seeds. The ball-shaped lettuce of today is a derivitive species (Lactuca sativa).
Aphrodite (the plant was associated with impotency)
 Death of Adonis. Adonis was a handsome youth loved by the goddess Aphrodite. He was slain by a wild boar in a bed of lettuce, or was laid out amongst the plants by the goddess following his death. The lettuce was therefore regarded as the plant of the death of love, and so of impotency. Others say that the baby Adonis was hidden in a lettuce bed by the goddess following his birth from the trunk of the tree Myrrha.

[kevin-beverly]

PAGE THREE NoNeil not the SUN newspaper

You can see these plants around Arillas and Corfu so look out for them


Ficus carica
The fig tree  An important orchard tree in ancient Greece. Figs were eaten fresh and dried for out of season consumption.
Sacred to : Demeter, Dionysos
Metamorphosis Sykeus. One of the Titanes who fled from Zeus and was transformed by his mother Gaia into a fig-tree.
Hospitatity of Phytalos. A man who hospitably received the goddess Demeter when she was searching for her lost daughter Persephone. She rewarded him with the creation of the cultivated fig tree.
Hamadryas Syke. The Hamadryad nymph of the fig-tree.
In Greek Συκιά [Sykiá]
(Ancient Greek: Συκέα Sykeus means "fig-tree")



(Mandragora autumnalis
Mandrake The root of the mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis), a plant which thrives in rocky places in the Cyclades and Crete, often exceeds half a meter in length and branches out at the end. It was used by practitioners of the healing arts, too, for its analgesic and narcotic properties. With the “mandrake wine”, doctors treated snake bites, alleviated pain and combated chronic insomnia. With larger dosages, they could induce a deep lethargy, greatly welcomed by those about to undergo surgical procedures.
In Greek μανδραγόρας [mandragóras]



Abies cephalonica
 Turkish fir and Trojan fir are mountain growing pyrmaidal-shaped conifers. The silver fir grows to a height of 100 to 150 feet and the Grecian fir around 80. Their tall cones ripen around October. The juice of the silver fir (a turpentine-like oil) was mixed by the Greeks with new wine to make it keep. Fir wood was used for building.
 Thyrsos of Dionysos. The thyrsos of Dionysos was a fir- (or pine) cone tipped staff. The fir-cone was a symbol of the god's phallus.
 Metamorphosis Attis. Attis was a handsome youth loved by the goddess Kybele. However when she discovered that he had been unfaithful, she forced him to castrate himself and transformed him into a silver fir. The tree was decorated at the centre of her orgiastic rituals, its phallic cone representing the castrated members of her lover.
 : Nymphai Oreiades. At the birth of a mountain Nymph a lofty silver fir or holm oak sprung up from the earth and withered when she died.



One thing all plants need is water
In Greek νερό [neró]
The word in ancient Greek for water is ύδωρ (hydor) , which is the root for all international words starting with “hydro-”.
Nereus, in Greek religion, sea god called by Homer “Old Man of the Sea,” noted for his wisdom, gift of prophecy, and ability to change his shape. He was the son of Pontus, a personification of the sea, and Gaea, the Earth goddess. The Nereids (water nymphs) were his daughters by the Oceanid Doris, and he lived with them in the depths of the sea, particularly the Aegean. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was his pupil. The Greek hero Heracles, in his quest for the golden apples of the Hesperides, obtained directions from Nereus by wrestling with him in his many forms. Nereus frequently appears in vase paintings as a dignified spectator.
Amphitrite, in Greek mythology, the goddess of the sea, wife of the god Poseidon, and one of the 50 (or 100) daughters (the Nereids) of Nereus and Doris (the daughter of Oceanus). Poseidon chose Amphitrite from among her sisters as the Nereids performed a dance on the isle of Naxos. Refusing his offer of marriage, she fled to Atlas, from whom she was retrieved by a dolphin sent by Poseidon. Amphitrite then returned, becoming Poseidon’s wife; he rewarded the dolphin by making it a constellation. In works of art Amphitrite was represented either enthroned beside Poseidon or driving with him in a chariot drawn by sea horses or other fabulous sea creatures. In the famous François Vase, Poseidon and Amphitrite, along with Zeus and Hera, attend the wedding of Peleus and Thetis.
Poseidon, as god of the sea, was an important Olympian power; he was the chief patron of Corinth, many cities of Magna Graecia, and also of Plato's legendary Atlantis. He controls the oceans and the seas, and he also created horses.
Achelous, who was worshipped as the god of fresh water, was chief among his 3,000 brothers, and all springs, rivers, and oceans were believed to issue from him. ... His father was Oceanus, and either Tethys (according to Hesiod) or Gaea (according to Alcaeus) was his mother.


Vitis vinifera
 The grape was widely cultivated in ancient Greece for the production of wine. Dionysos (god of wine and viticulture)
Dionysos & Viticulture. The god Dionysos discovered or created the first grapevine and instructed mankind the arts of viticulture and winemaking.
Metamorphosis Ampelos. A Satyr youth loved by the god Dionysos. After he was slain by a wild bull the god transformed him into a grape vine.
Metamorphosis Ambrosia. One of the Mainas nurses of Dionysos. When she was slain by the impious Lykourgos, the god transformed her into a vine.
Hamadryas Ampelos. The Hamadryad nymph of the wild grape vine.


Heliotropium europaeum
Heliotrope A summer-blooming herb whose flowers turn to face the sun.
Metamorphosis Klytie. Klytie was a Nymphe loved by the sun-god Helios. When he left her for another, she wasted away and was transformed into a sun-gazing heliotrope.
In Greek ΗΛΙΟΤΡΟΠΙΟ [Iliotropio]         

[kevin-beverly]

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Mandrakes

Mandragora

Mandragora is a plant genus belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Members of the genus are known as mandrakes. There are between three and five species in the genus. The one or two species found around the Mediterranean constitute the mandrake of ancient writers such as Dioscorides. Two or three further species are found eastwards into China. All are perennial herbaceous plants, with large tap-roots and leaves in the form of a rosette. Individual flowers are bell-shaped, whitish through to violet, and are followed by yellow or orange berries.
Like many members of the Solanaceae, species of Mandragora contain highly biologically active alkaloids that make the plants poisonous. Their roots in particular have a long use in traditional medicine. Mandrakes are involved in many myths and superstitions.


                           Mandragora turcomanica
 Mandragoreae      Mandragora autumnalis
                                Mandragora officinarum       
                           Mandragora caulescens
                               Mandragora chinghaiensis
 
 Mandragora officinarum
Mandragora officinarum is the type species of the plant genus Mandragora. It is often known as mandrake, although this name is also used for other plants. As of 2015, sources differed significantly in the species they use for Mandragora plants native to the Mediterranean region. The main species found around the Mediterranean is called Mandragora autumnalis, the autumn mandrake. In a broader circumscription, all the plants native to the regions around the Mediterranean Sea are placed in M. officinarum, which thus includes M. autumnalis. The names autumn mandrake and Mediterranean mandrake are then used. Whatever the circumscription, Mandragora officinarum is a perennial herbaceous plant with ovate leaves arranged in a rosette, a thick upright root, often branched, and bell-shaped flowers followed by yellow or orange berries.
Because mandrakes contain deliriant hallucinogenic tropane alkaloids and the shape of their roots often resembles human figures, they have been associated with a variety of superstitious practices throughout history. They have long been used in magic rituals, today also in contemporary pagan practices such as Wicca and Heathenry. However, the so-called "mandrakes" used in this way are not always species of Mandragora let alone Mandragora officinarum; for example, Bryonia alba, the English mandrake, is explicitly mentioned in some sources.

Mandragora autumnalis
Mandragora autumnalis, known as mandrake or autumn mandrake, is recognized by some sources as a separate species from Mandragora officinarum, although with different circumscriptions. Others regard it as merely part of this very variable species. Plants given the name Mandragora autumnalis consist of a rosette of leaves up to 60 cm (2 ft) across, close to the ground, with a central group of usually purplish flowers followed by yellow or orange berries. The large tap-roots as well as the leaves contain alkaloids and are toxic. They have traditional uses as herbal medicines.

Species of Mandragora are perennial herbaceous plants. They have large vertical tap-roots, sometimes forked. Their stems are short or virtually absent. The leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are sometimes borne on a short stalk (scape), and are solitary, with whorls of five parts. The sepals are joined at the base, as are the petals, both in the shape of a lobed bell. The stamens are shorter than the petals, joined to the floral tube towards the base. The ovary has two chambers (locules). After fertilization, a yellow or orange fruit forms (botanically a berry).

Family:   Solanaceae
Subfamily:   Solanoideae
Tribe:   Mandragoreae
Genus:   Mandragora
L.
Species

HABITAT
Open woodland, deserted fields and stony places  mountain slopes  alkaline, deep, sandy, dry soils in the part-shade.  places both inland and on the coast.

The flowers appear from autumn to spring (September to April). They are borne in the axils of the leaves. The flower stalks (pedicels) are also very variable in length, up to 45 cm (18 in) long. The five sepals are 6–28 mm (0.2–1.1 in) long, fused together at the base and then forming free lobes to about a half to two-thirds of their total length. The five petals are greenish white to pale blue or violet in colour, 12–65 mm (0.5–2.6 in) long, and, like the sepals, joined together at the base with free lobes at the end. The lobes are between half as long as the petals to almost as long. The five stamens are joined to the bases of the petals and vary in length from 7 to 15 mm (0.3 to 0.6 in). The anthers of the stamens are usually yellow or brown, but are sometimes pale blue.

In one treatment, Mandragora autumnalis is the main species of Mandragora found all around the Mediterranean, in Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, southern Portugal, southern Spain, southern Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan, being absent in northern Italy and a region on the coast of former Yugoslavia, where it is replaced by M. officinarum.In another treatment, Mandragora autumnalis is native only to the Levant (from Syria south to Israel), the species found elsewhere around the Mediterranean being M. officinarum

Mandrake (Mandragora officinaruim), nearly forgotten today, is one of the most famous plants known to humanity. ... Mandrake is mentioned in the Bible (Gen. 30:14-16) and its Biblical use is generally attributed to its supposed fertility power.







All species of Mandragora contain highly biologically active alkaloids, tropane alkaloids in particular. The alkaloids make the plant, in particular the root and leaves, poisonous, via anticholinergic, hallucinogenic, and hypnotic effects. Anticholinergic properties can lead to asphyxiation  it could get a novice or even expert user killed or in the hospital for an extended stay.


UNKNOWN

Small quantities of mandrake may produce hallucinations or out of body experiences.
People take European mandrake root for treating stomach ulcers, colic, constipation, asthma, hay fever, convulsions, arthritis-like pain (rheumatism), and whooping cough. It is also used to trigger vomiting, cause sleepiness (sedation), reduce pain, and increase interest in sexual activity.
Etoposide is a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin, a substance found naturally in the mandrake plant. Also known as VP-16, this epipodophyllotoxin is used in SCLC and NSCLC, among many others. Most of the published trials utilize infusional etoposide, but an oral formulation is available as well.

[kevin-beverly]

HI


European heliotrope

Heliotropium europaeum  is a species of heliotrope known by the common names European heliotrope and European turn-sole. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it is widely naturalized elsewhere, such as in Australia and North America. It grows as a roadside weed in some places. This is an annual herb growing from a taproot and reaching maximum heights near 40 centimeters. The stem and oval-shaped leaves are covered in soft hairs. The inflorescences are coiled spikes of white flowers with fuzzy or bristly sepals. Each flower is just a few millimeters wide. The fruit is a bumpy nutlet.
The Heliotrope also known as  Caterpillar Weed is one of the sun loving wild flowers of Crete.
Family:   Boraginaceae
Genus:   Heliotropium
Species:   H. europaeum

 is a genus of flowering plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. There are around 325 species in this almost cosmopolitan genus, which are commonly known as heliotropes

The name "heliotrope" derives from the old idea that the inflorescences of these plants turned their rows of flowers to the sun. Ἥλιος (helios) is Greek for "sun", τρέπειν (trepein) means "to turn". The Middle English name "turnsole" has the same meaning.
A Classical myth, told in Ovid's Metamorphoses, imagines that the water nymph Clytie, in love with the sun god Helios, was betrayed by him. Wasting away, she transformed into the heliotrope, whose flowers supposedly always face the sun.

HABITAT
 It grows as a roadside weed in some places. full sun waste ground meadows and fields
Size Spread and height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
at elevations generally below 800 metres[299]. It is widely considered a weed in fields and pastures

The colors of the heliotrope blooms range from dark and light shades of purple to white. Its clustered five-lobe flowers resemble those of the forget-me-not. Also called the common heliotrope and cherry pie plant, these humble names belie a beguiling fragrance that has been described as cherry-almond-vanilla.

Heliotropium europaeum
   

   


All parts of the plant are poisonous, but toxic to humans only if consumed in large quantities. However, it is toxic to horses and can induce liver failure. Although not very palatable, it will be eaten by animals with no other forage, or when hay is contaminated.
 The flowering plant heliotrope is toxic to dogs and can cause death to those who ingest it




Usually, Heliotropes produce wonderfully fragrant flowers in clusters and their colour vary between deep blue-violet to purple, lavender or lilac. However this species have white flowers and the smell cannot be described as fragrant at all! On the contrary the Heliotropium europaeum has a rather offensive smell
Very popular plant used in tubs, troughs, hanging baskets and borders.





is used as antipyretic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, cardiotonic, and anthelmintic, in the treatment of headache and gout, and in external uses for the healing of wounds and treatment of warts. This plant has also carcinogenic and hepatotoxic effects
The plant has been widely used for centuries to treat warts, inflammations and tumours. Throughout tropical Africa it is used as an analgesic to ease rheumatic pain, as a diuretic and to treat numerous skin problems including yaws, urticaria, scabies, ulcers, eczema and impetigo
Throughout the Continent, there is a wide variation in the plant parts that are used, and also in methods of preparation and administration
A decoction of the whole plant is used to treat thrush, diarrhoea, diabetes, venereal diseases and frequent excretion of urine
 The whole plant is boiled and the beverage used as a remedy for heat rash
 It is boiled with Desmodium sp. (ironweed) in a decoction that is used as a purgative of the reproductive system to function as a 'cleanout' for men and women
An infusion of the plant is used as an eye-lotion and to clean ulcers
The leaves are haemostatic, stomachic
 An infusion is used as a remedy for asthma, ulcers, dysentery, bronchitis, red eyes, boils etc
 The leaf juice is used to treat and soothe the pain of conjunctivitis
 Mixed with coconut oil and a small amount of salt, the leaves are administered to children as a remedy for colds, grippe and coughing
 The leaves are boiled with Mikania micrantha for treating upset stomachs
The powdered leaves are used to treat infected gums
 A poultice made from the leaves is applied to rheumatic limbs, to wounds and insect bites
The flowers are emmenagogue in small doses and abortifacient in large
They are used to control menstrual blood loss; yaws; skin ulcers
The plant contains the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids heliotrine and lasiocarpine. The major alkaloid, indicine, shows antitumor activity

[kevin-beverly]

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You will not see this tree in Arillas or on Corfu BUT THIS TREE COULD BE A LIFE SAVER

Soapbark

Quillaja saponaria The soap bark tree or soapbark, is an evergreen tree in the family Quillajaceae  native to warm temperate central Chile. In Chile it occurs from 32 to 40° South Latitude approximately. Populations are found even 2000 m (6500 ft) above sea level. It can grow to 15–20 m (50–65 ft) in height. The tree has thick, dark bark; smooth, leathery, shiny, oval evergreen leaves 3–5 cm long; white star-shaped flowers 15 mm diameter borne in dense corymbs; and a dry fruit with five follicles each containing 10–20 seeds.

Family:   Quillajaceae
Genus:   Quillaja
Species:   Q. saponaria
Binomial name
Quillaja saponaria

HABITAT
This tree occurs at altitudes to 2000 metres. The species is drought resistant, and tolerates about −12 °C (10 °F) in its natural habitat.Examples of specific occurrences are in central Chile in the forests of La Campana National Park and Cerro La Campana, in which locales it is associated with the Chilean Wine Palm, Jubaea chilensis. It is often used for reforestation on arid soils. It has been introduced as an ornamental in California. Trees have been acclimatized in Spain but are rarely cultivated there.
It can grow to 15–20 m (50–65 ft)

The inner bark of Quillaja saponaria can be reduced to powder and employed as a substitute for soap, since it forms a lather with water, owing to the presence of a glycoside saponin, sometimes distinguished as quillaia saponin. It's also applied as an agricultural spray adjuvant. The same, or a closely similar substance, is found in soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), in senega root (Polygala senega) and in sarsaparilla; it appears to be chemically related to digitonin, which occurs in digitalis. The wood is used in cabinetry, and scents derived from the tree are used in perfumes and cosmetics.

Coronavirus vaccine: Is Chilean tree bark a key ingredient

The quillaja tree, which grows in the Chilean Andes, has traditionally been used by the Mapuche to treat colds and inflammation. But it could play a significant role in a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.
The Chilean biotech company Desert King is a significant actor in the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. The firm has developed a procedure that allows for active agents to be extracted from the bark and wood of the quillaja tree, which only grows in Chile. Desert King sells the resulting powder to a British subsidiary of the US vaccine development company Novovax.
Novovax announced in late September that it had initiated its first Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of its vaccine in the UK, and that it aimed to enroll 10,000 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 84 to take part. Currently, there are 11 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in the third phase of testing.
"A vaccine is comprised of two elements, an antigen and an adjuvant," explained Gonzalez. "The antigen activates a body's own defense, while the adjuvant helps release the antigen into the cells and also stimulates the body's immune response."
The quillaja tree, also known as the soap bark tree, has a high content of saponins, which are natural emulsifiers and multipurpose foaming agents. They can be used to bind substances that usually do not mix, such as water and oil, but they can also serve as adjuvants.
The Mapuche, the largest indigenous group in Chile today, have long known about the healing properties of the quillaja tree. In their traditional medicine, they use the bark extract as a decongestant and also to treat digestive problems. They also make a tincture from the flowers to treat the symptoms of rheumatism.
The fact that an international pharmaceutical company is using this substance to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 will help us to promote the tree's importance to people

Help to stop spreading H I V

Natural, aqueous extracts of Quillaja saponaria, the Chilean soapbark tree, contain several physiologically active triterpenoid saponins that display strong adjuvant activity when used in either human or animal vaccines. In this paper, we describe studies that demonstrate a novel antiviral activity of Quillaja extracts against six viruses: vaccinia virus, herpes simplex virus type 1, varicella zoster virus, human immunodeficiency viruses 1 and 2 (HIV-1, HIV-2) and reovirus. We demonstrate that microgram amounts of extract, while exhibiting no cell cytotoxicity or direct virucidal activity, prevent each of the six viruses tested from infecting their host cells. In addition, the presence of residual amounts of extract continue to block virus infection and render cells resistant to infection for at least 16 h after the removal of the extract from the cell culture medium. We demonstrate that a Quillaja extract possesses strong antiviral activity at concentrations more than 100-fold lower than concentrations that exhibit cell cytotoxicity. Extract concentrations as high as 100 microg ml(-1) are not cytotoxic, but concentrations as low as 0.1 microg ml(-1) are able to block HIV-1 and HIV-2 virus attachment and infection.

Adjuvants have been used safely in vaccines for decades.

Aluminum salts, such as aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, and aluminum potassium sulfate have been used safely in vaccines for more than 70 years. Aluminum salts were initially used in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines after it was found they strengthened the body’s immune response to these vaccines.
Newer adjuvants have been developed to target specific components of the body’s immune response, so that protection against disease is stronger and lasts longer.
In all cases, vaccines containing adjuvants are tested for safety and effectiveness in clinical trials before they are licensed for use in the United States, and they are continuously monitored by CDC and FDA once they are approved.

An adjuvant is an ingredient used in some vaccines that helps create a stronger immune response in people receiving the vaccine. ... Adjuvants help the body to produce an immune response strong enough to protect the person from the disease he or she is being vaccinated against.

How does it work?
Quillaia contains high concentrations of tannins. Tannins can thin mucous to make it easier to cough up. Quillaia also contains chemicals called saponins. Saponins seem to prevent some types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses from attaching to and infecting healthy cells. These chemicals may also help stimulate the immune system when given with vaccines. Saponins from quillaia also seem to attach to dietary fat in the stomach. This may lower blood fat such as cholesterol by preventing the fat from getting into the blood or other organs.




      

Quillaja is toxic when ingested orally in large amounts. Severe toxic effects following the ingestion of large doses of the bark include liver damage, gastric pain, diarrhea, hemolysis, respiratory failure, convulsions and coma.


The bark of the tree Quillaja saponaria, indigenous to Chile, is one of the major sources of industrially used triterpenoid saponins. For decades quillaja extracts have been used as foaming agents in beverages, emulsifiers in foods, wetting agent in photography,
Quillaja Saponaria (soapbark) extract Do Quillaja saponaria contains saponins, which are molecules with a distinctive foaming characteristic.  The extract is used as a food additive and flavoring agent in soft drinks (typically root beer and cream soda)
The extract of quillaia is used in the manufacture of food additives (E number 999). It is used as a humectant in baked goods, frozen dairy products, and puddings and as a foaming agent in soft drinks. It is also applied in some "natural" spray adjuvant formulations for agriculture.




has been used orally in traditional medicine to relieve cough and bronchitis, and topically to relieve scalp itchiness and dandruff. Reports show that quillaja can depress cardiac and respiratory activity and induce localized irritation and sneezing.
Quillaja Saponaria is a natural soap extract derived from the Chilean Quillaja Tree. It gently cleanses face and body without drying your skin. Temporarily helps relieve skin irritation. Suitable for babies.
The bark, as it sounds, contains enough saponin to provide a good soap, useful as a shampoo.
are able to block HIV-1 and HIV-2 virus attachment and infection.

[kevin-beverly]

HI


Greek Fir

Abies cephalonica Is a large evergreen conifer is a fir native to the mountains of Greece, Europe Greece to Yugoslavia and Albania and Uk.
 It is a medium-size evergreen coniferous tree growing to 25–35 metres  rarely 40 m  tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in). It occurs at altitudes of 900–1,700 m (3,000–5,600 ft), on mountains with a rainfall of over 1,000 millimetres (39 in). The leaves are needle-like, flattened, 1.5–3.0 cm (0.6–1.2 in) long and 2 mm (0.08 in) wide by 0.5 mm (0.02 in) thick, glossy dark green above, and with two blue-white bands of stomata below. The tip of the leaf is pointed, usually fairly sharply but sometimes with a blunt tip, particularly on slow-growing shoots on older trees. The cones are 10–20 cm (4–8 in) long and 4 cm (1.6 in) broad, with about 150–200 scales, each scale with an exserted bract and two winged seeds; they disintegrate when mature to release the seeds.
It is also closely related to Nordmann fir [Abies nordmanniana] to the east in northern Turkey and the  Bulgarian fir[Abies borisii-regis] further north in the Pindus mountains of northern Greece.
Greek fir was important in the past for wood for general construction, but it is too rare to be of significant value now. It is also grown as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens, though in areas that often get late frosts it is prone to frost damage, as it is one of the first conifers to open fresh growth in spring.

Family:   Pinaceae
Genus:   Abies
Species:   A. cephalonica
Binomial name
Abies cephalonica

HABITAT
Cool wet mountainsides over 800 metres,forest,drought tolerance,full sun

57 Species with 340 Trinomials [Trinomial means the scientific name of a plant. ... An example of a trinomial is a name which inclues the genus, species and the variety.]

The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood and has sometimes been cultivated as a timber tree
Although a decrease in the population of this species has been reported during the last five decades, latterly mainly due to summer wild-fires, nevertheless the species has a widespread distribution in Greece. It is recorded from 11 main locations and typically most of these contain extensive stands. Even though it is highly likely that there will be further loss of forest, especially as a result of summer wild-fires, it is thought that this will not be sufficient to warrant the species to be assessed against a category of threat in the foreseeable future.
Trees commence producing seed when about 50 years old
Plants are strongly outbreeding, self-fertilized seed usually grows poorly They hybridize freely with other members of this genus
Firs differ from other conifers in having erect, cylindrical cones 5–25 cm (2–10 in) long that disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds.

If you want to see the 57 species follow the link https://conifersociety.org/conifers/abies/






The leaves of the Greek Fir are toxic to humans and pets. berries aren't toxic

Greek Fir has been used up to abuse in previous years for timber, due to the very hard wood it produces, in the construction work, in boxing, in shipbuilding, as well as in the production of pallets and the production of matches.
In recent years it has been happily used only for honey production and of course as an ornamental. For beekeeping use, it is worth mentioning that thanks to the aphids attack, the cones are secreted, and that is used appropriately for honey production.
But the nutritional contribution of Abies cephalonica does not run out of honey production. By saying this, no one of course do not imply that parts of the plant itself can be the subject of gastronomic experiences.
However the fact is that around of plant roots, wild mushrooms of great taste are growing such as the species Pleurotus ostreatus, Morchella conica and Morchella esculenta, which the experienced collector can harvest and savor.
Also used in parks and  large gardens landscape
Nordmann fir, noble fir, Fraser fir and balsam fir are popular Christmas trees, generally considered to be the best for this purpose, with aromatic foliage that does not shed many needles on drying out. Many are also decorative garden trees, notably Korean fir and Fraser fir, which produce brightly coloured cones even when very young, still only 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall.


UNKNOWN

[kevin-beverly]

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Prickly lettuce, Milk thistle

Lactuca serriola Is an annual or biennial plant in the dandelion tribe within the daisy family. It has a slightly fetid odor and is commonly considered a weed of orchards, roadsides and field crops.It is the closest wild relative of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.).
Lactuca serriola is known as the compass plant because in the sun the upper leaves twist round to hold their margins upright
Lactuca serriola is native to Europe, Asia, and north Africa, and has become naturalized elsewhere.
(not to be confused with Silybum marianum, also called milk thistle), compass plant,and scarole,
Lactuca serriola has a spineless reddish stem, containing a milky latex, growing up to 2 metres

Family:   Asteraceae
Tribe:   Cichorieae
Genus:   Lactuca
Species:   L. serriola
Binomial name
Lactuca serriola

The flower heads are 1–1.5 cm wide, pale yellow, often tinged purple, with 12–20 ray flowers but no disc flowers. The bracts are also often tinged purple. It flowers from July until September in the northern hemisphere. The achenes are grey, tipped with bristles. The pappus is white with equal length hairs.
Similar to Mycelis muralis but showing more than 5 florets.
The leaves get progressively smaller as they reach its top. They are oblong or lanceolate, often pinnately lobed and (especially for the lower leaves), waxy grey green. Fine spines are present along the veins and leaf edges. The undersides have whitish veins. They emit latex when cut.
It can cause pulmonary emphysema in cattle feeding exclusively on the plant

HABITAT
Prickly lettuce grows along roads, railroads, sidewalks, vacant lots, waste areas, pastures, orchards, and cultivated fields. The plant prefers dry conditions, although it tolerates and can often be found growing on moist ground such as that in low areas or irrigated fields.

What is the difference between wild lettuce and prickly lettuce?
Wild lettuce produces leaves all the way up the stalk, and the flowers aren't quite the same. ... Prickly lettuce has less rounded leaves with deep serrations at its edge. The stalk of prickly lettuce is stiffer and a bit woodier, but you'll only really notice that if you have both plants side by side.

 The leaves are oblong or lanceolate, often pinnately lobed and (especially for the lower leaves), waxy grey green.






The mature plant is mildly toxic
Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The young tender leaves are mild and make an excellent salad, but the whole plant becomes bitter as it gets older, especially when it flowers. Young shoots can be cooked and used as an asparagus substitute. It is highly adviseable to eat only smalll quantities.


UNKNOWN



The plant is used for multiple purposes in traditional medicines, like sedative, hypnotic, expectorant, cough suppressant, purgative, demulcent, diuretic, antiseptic, vasorelaxant, and antispasmodic and hence used to manage bronchitis, asthma, pertussis, gastrointestinal, and various other ailments
It has therapeutic effects, which had already been proved through different clinical trials. Based on established knowledge, Lactuca serriola can be used in the management of insomnia, neurosis, anxiety, rheumatic pain, and dry cough.
The complete plant is used for treating stomach issues and to stimulate the digestive process.
It is known to enhance appetite and reduce inflammatory tendencies.
The latex of it contains bio-chemical substances viz. oxalyl and sulfate conjugates of the guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones, which is known to possess anti-microbial qualities.
The anti-oxidant activity of the lactuca has assisted in the prevention of chronic diseases connected to oxidative stress such as cancer.
It is also beneficial for ulcer treatment and for burns.
Nutritionally, it is also rich because of the presence of calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, fluorine in its leaves.
The aqueous extract of roots gives guanine-type sesquiterpene glycosides, lactose C along with known glycosides, lactose A and macro-clientside A.

[kevin-beverly]

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I have not seen this plant aroud but now i will look for it unless Neil eaten all

Liquorice


Glycyrrhiza glabra other common names Alcacuz, Biyan, Buyan, Chikher-Evs, Common Licorice, Common Liquorice, Dzirtkbila, Jethi-Madh, Kahles Sussholz, Kzyl Miya, Lakritsipensas, Lakritsvaxt, Lakritza, Lemn Dulce, Licorice, Liquorice, Liquorizia, Matutik, Miya, Modligroszek, Mulhatti, Nutzgen C. Is  flowering plant of the bean and pea  family Fabaceae, from the root of which a sweet, aromatic flavouring can be extracted.
The liquorice plant is a herbaceous perennial legume native to the Western Asia and southern Europe. It is not botanically closely related to anise or fennel, which are sources of similar flavouring compounds. (Another such source, star anise, is even more distant from anise and fennel than liquorice is, despite its similar common name.) Liquorice is used as a flavouring in candies and tobacco, particularly in some European and West Asian countries.

Family:   Fabaceae
Subfamily:   Faboideae
Genus:   Glycyrrhiza
Species:   G. glabra
Binomial name
Glycyrrhiza glabra
L.[1]
Synonyms[2][3][4]
Glycyrrhiza brachycarpa Boiss.
Glycyrrhiza glandulifera Waldst. & Kit.
Glycyrrhiza hirsuta Pall.
Glycyrrhiza pallida Boiss.
Glycyrrhiza violacea Boiss.

HABITAT
Licorice can be found growing in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. It tends to grow best in areas that are dry, sunny, hot climates that receive a relatively low annual rainfall of around 500mm-650mm. While the climate may be hot and dry, the plant prefers to grow in areas with adequate soil moisture.

The word "liquorice" is derived (via the Old French licoresse) from the Greek γλυκόριζα (glykorrhiza), meaning "sweet root", from γλυκύς (glukus), "sweet" and ρίζα (rhiza), "root", the name provided by Dioscorides. It is spelled "liquorice" in most of the Commonwealth, but "licorice" in the United States and sometimes Canada.

Liquorice is a herbaceous perennial, growing to 1 metre (39 in) in height, with pinnate leaves about 7–15 cm (3–6 in) long, with 9–17 leaflets. The flowers are 0.8–1.2 cm (1⁄3–1⁄2 in) long, purple to pale whitish blue, produced in a loose inflorescence. The fruit is an oblong pod, 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1 1⁄8 in) long, containing several seeds. The roots are stoloniferous.[In biology, stolons (from Latin stolō, genitive stolōnis – "branch"), also known as runners, are horizontal connections between organisms. They may be part of the organism, or of its skeleton; typically, animal stolons are external skeletons.]

The scent of liquorice root comes from a complex and variable combination of compounds, of which anethole is up to 3% of total volatiles. Much of the sweetness in liquorice comes from glycyrrhizin, which has a sweet taste, 30–50 times the sweetness of sugar. The sweetness is very different from sugar, being less instant, tart, and lasting longer.





Introduced Native Doubtful




Do you rember eatting this at school days

Chronic use and large doses of licorice root can cause severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those with kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure should avoid licorice products.
Glycyrrhizin (also called glycyrrhizic acid) is the chemical in black licorice that gives the candy its signature flavor, but it also leads to its toxic effects. ... Other symptoms of excessive licorice intake include swelling, muscle pain, numbness and headache.


Liquorice is used as a flavouring agent for tobacco for flavour enhancing and moistening agents in the manufacture of American blend cigarettes, moist snuff, chewing tobacco, and pipe tobacco. Liquorice provides tobacco products with a natural sweetness and a distinctive flavour that blends readily with the natural and imitation flavouring components employed in the tobacco industry. As of 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of any "characterizing flavors" other than menthol from cigarettes, but not other manufactured tobacco products
Chemical products, Domestic, Environmental, Fibre, Food and Drink, Forage, Medicine, Weed, Wood



Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) is a small perennial herb that has been traditionally used to treat many diseases, such as respiratory disorders, hyperdipsia, epilepsy, fever, sexual debility, paralysis, stomach ulcers, rheumatism, skin diseases, hemorrhagic diseases, and jaundice.
According to studies, licorice root extract, or Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, may help fight bacteria that infect the skin. Its antimicrobial  properties help combat Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria, which causes skin infections such as folliculitis, impetigo, and cellulitis .
Today, licorice root is promoted as a dietary supplement for conditions such as digestive problems, menopausal symptoms, cough, and bacterial and viral infections. Licorice gargles or lozenges have been used to try to prevent or reduce the sore throat that sometimes occurs after surgery.

[kevin-beverly]

HI

Marsh-Mallow

Althaea officinalis Common name is Marsh Mallow  is a perennial species indigenous to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, which is used in herbalism and as an ornamental plant. A confection made from the root since ancient Egyptian times evolved into today's marshmallow treat, but most modern marshmallow treats no longer contain any marsh-mallow root.
There is considerable disagreement on the classification of the genus. It is widely stated that there are 12 species in the genus,
 but they have been unable to identify that many species, and suspect that the count includes species latterly transferred to Alcea. they recognise 7 species and one interspecific hybrid, but some sources recognise an additional species (Althaea broussonetiifolia, a segregate of Althaea armeniaca), and others combine some of the species.

Family:   Malvaceae
Genus:   Althaea
Species:   A. officinalis
Binomial name
Althaea officinalis
L.
Synonyms
Althaea kragujevacensis Pančić ex Diklić & Stevan.
Althaea micrantha Wiesb. ex Borbás
Althaea sublobata Stokes
Althaea taurinensis DC.
Althaea vulgaris Bubani
Malva althaea E.H.L.Krause
Malva maritima Salisb.
Malva officinalis (L.) Schimp. & Spenn. ex Schimp. & Spenn.


The marshmallow belongs to the botanical family Malvaceae. The name comes from the ancient Greek malássô, which means “to soften.” This is particularly appropriate for the marshmallow, which contains a good deal of mucilage* – a component that forms an emollient, anti-inflammatory gel when in contact with water.

Althea, the genus name, may come from the Greek althos, meaning 'healing'. The specific epithet officinalis means official and indicates that this plant is (or was) considered to have pharmaceutical properties.

Althaea or Althea (Ancient Greek: Ἀλθαία Althaía "healer" from ἀλθαίνω althaino, "to cure", also "a kind of mallow") was the queen of Calydon in Greek mythology.



HABITAT
A perennial herb of coastal habitats, growing on the banks of ditches containing brackish water, in brackish pastures, and in the transition zone between the upper saltmarsh and freshwater habitats. It is intolerant of grazing and cutting. It also occurs as a garden escape.

The stems, which die down in the autumn, typically grow 3 to 4 ft (0.91 to 1.22 m), but can reach 6.5 feet (2.0 m) and put out only a few lateral branches.[5] The leaves are shortly petioled, roundish, ovate-cordate, 2 to 3 in (51 to 76 mm) long, and about 1​1⁄4 inch broad, entire or three to five lobed, irregularly toothed at the margin, and thick. They are soft and velvety on both sides, due to a dense covering of stellate hairs. The flowers are shaped like those of the common mallow, but are smaller and of a pale colour, and are either axillary, or in panicles, more often the latter.
The stamens are united into a tube, the anthers, kidney-shaped and one-celled. The flowers are in bloom during August and September, and are followed, as in other species of this order, by the flat, round fruit which are popularly called "cheeses".
The generic name, Althaea, is derived from the Greek ἄλθειν (to cure), from its supposed healing properties.[3] The name of the family, Malvaceae, is derived from the Latin malva, a generic name for the mallows and the source of the English common name mallow.
The common mallow is frequently called "marsh mallow" in colloquial terms, but the true marsh mallow is distinguished from all the other mallows growing in Great Britain by the numerous divisions of the outer calyx (six to nine cleft), by the hoary down which thickly clothes the stems and foliage, and by the numerous panicles of blush-coloured flowers, paler than the common mallow. The roots are perennial, thick, long and tapering, very tough and pliant, whitish yellow outside, white and fibrous within.
Most of the mallows have been used as food, and are mentioned by early classic writers with this connection. Mallow was an edible vegetable among the Romans; a dish of marsh mallow was one of their delicacies. Prospero Alpini stated in 1592 that a plant of the mallow kind was eaten by the Egyptians. Many of the poorer inhabitants of Syria subsisted for weeks on herbs, of which marshmallow is one of the most common. When boiled first and fried with onions and butter, the roots are said to form a palatable dish, and in times of scarcity consequent upon the failure of the crops, this plant, which grows there in great abundance, is collected heavily as a foodstuff.

One species of this family (Althaea officinalis) is actually the original ingredient in the making of marshmallows. This plant is considered an invasive weed in the United States. It is often referred to as an annual, winter annual, or biennial plant because it can be found growing all year.

Fruit Description:
This plant is often called Cheese weed or Cheese plant because the seeds form in a round flattened pod that looks like a wheel of cheese or a pumpkin. There are 10-12 seeds per pod.

Flower Description:
Flowers appear in the summer as showy papery white, to light pink to light purple, 5-petaled blooms. The petals are notched at the tip so a blossom may appear to have 10 petals.







NONE


Marshmallow root, as the name implies, was once included as an ingredient in the original sticky-sweet marshmallow candy. Alas, commercial marshmallows no longer contain this herb, but you can still make your own "real" ones at home!
Gardens,Parks,Landscape
An oil from the seed is used in making paints and varnishes
The flowers, root, and leaves of the marshmallow plant are edible. The medicinal properties of marshmallow root come from the mucilage, or sap-like substance, that the plant produces. The mucilage of the plant contains antioxidants, and research suggests that it forms a coating over skin and the digestive tract.
Leaves - raw or cooked. They are used as a potherb or to thicken soups. When used as a small proportion with other leaves, the taste and texture is acceptable, but if a lot of the leaves are cooked together their mucilaginous texture makes them unpalatable. The leaves can be eaten raw but are rather fibrous and somewhat hairy, though the taste is mild and pleasant. We have found them to be quite acceptable in salads when chopped up finely. Root - raw or cooked. When boiled and then fried with onions it is said to make a palatable dish that is often used in times of shortage. The root is used as a vegetable, it is also dried then ground into a powder, made into a paste and roasted to make the sweet 'marshmallow'. The root contains about 37% starch, 11% mucilage, 11% pectin. The water left over from cooking any part of the plant can be used as an egg-white substitute in making meringues etc. The water from the root is the most effective, it is concentrated by boiling until it has a similar consistency to egg white. A tea is made from the flowers. A tea can also be made from the root


Althaea officinalis, is a flowering plant that has played a role in herbal medicine for centuries. Many people use marshmallow root for various ailments, including coughs, skin irritation, and digestive problems, such as ulcers. It comes in the forms of a powder, capsule, tea, and cough syrup.
Mucilage might be advantageous for people with gastritis because its slippery nature soothes irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract. Marshmallow is used for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Less. Mashmallow is a soothing herb traditionally used to treat reflux and heartburn.
might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking marshmallow along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
 It may help treat coughs and colds
 It may help relieve skin irritation
 It may help with wound healing
 It may promote overall skin health
 It may act as a pain reliever
 It may work as a diuretic
 It may aid in digestion
 It may help repair gut lining
 It may act as an antioxidant
 It may support heart health

[kevin-beverly]

HI

I have done European wild ginger now i will do Ginger

Ginger


Zingiber officinale  is a flowering plant  whose rhizome, ginger root or ginger, is widely used as a spice and a folk medicine. It is a herbaceous perennial which grows annual pseudostems (false stems made of the rolled bases of leaves) about one meter tall bearing narrow leaf blades. The inflorescences bear flowers having pale yellow petals with purple edges, and arise directly from the rhizome on separate shoots. two main categories of ginger plants; flowering ginger, the kind used for ornamental purposes and common, culinary ginger, the type used in cooking and for medicinal uses.
These days, most ginger still comes from Asia. India produces the largest quantity, followed by China and Indonesia. Other ginger-producing countries include Nepal, Australia, Nigeria and Fiji.
Ginger is in the family Zingiberaceae, which also includes turmeric (Curcuma longa), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), and galangal. Ginger originated in Maritime Southeast Asia and was likely domesticated first by the Austronesian peoples. It was transported with them throughout the Indo-Pacific during the Austronesian expansion , reaching as far as Hawaii. Ginger is one of the first spices to have been exported from Asia, arriving in Europe with the spice trade, and was used by ancient Greeks and Romans. The distantly related dicots in the genus Asarum are commonly called wild ginger because of their similar taste.

Family:   Zingiberaceae
Genus:   Zingiber
Species:   Z. officinale
Binomial name
Zingiber officinale

Ginger produces clusters of white and pink flower buds that bloom into yellow flowers. Because of its aesthetic appeal and the adaptation of the plant to warm climates, it is often used as landscaping around subtropical homes. It is a perennial reed-like plant with annual leafy stems, about a meter (3 to 4 feet) tall. Traditionally, the rhizome is gathered when the stalk withers; it is immediately scalded, or washed and scraped, to kill it and prevent sprouting. The fragrant perisperm of the Zingiberaceae is used as sweetmeats by Bantu, and also as a condiment and sialagogue
In 2018, global production of ginger was 2.8 million tonnes, led by India with 32% of the world total. China, Nigeria, and Nepal also had substantial production

HABITAT
Ginger thrives best in warm, humid climates. Choose a site that provides plenty of light, including 2 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. Ideal spots are also protected from strong winds.

History
The first written record of ginger comes from the Analects of Confucius, written in China during the Warring States period (475–221 BC). In it, Confucius was said to eat ginger with every meal.In 406 AD, the monk Faxian wrote that ginger was grown in pots and carried on Chinese ships to prevent scurvy. During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), ginger was being imported into China from southern countries.
Ginger was introduced to the Mediterranean by the Arabs, and described by writers like Dioscorides (40–90 AD) and Pliny the Elder (24–79 AD).In 150 AD, Ptolemy noted that ginger was produced in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Raw and preserved ginger was imported into Europe during the Middle Ages. In 14th century England, a pound of ginger cost as much as a sheep









NONE

Other Uses An essential oil obtained from the root is used in perfumery
Ginger is a very popular spice used worldwide; whether it be used to spice up meals, or as a medicine, the demand for ginger all over the world has been consistent throughout history.Ginger can be used for a variety of food or medicine items such as vegetables, candy, soda, pickles, and alcoholic beverages.
Ginger is a fragrant kitchen spice.Young ginger rhizomes are juicy and fleshy with a mild taste. They are often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack or cooked as an ingredient in many dishes. They can be steeped in boiling water to make ginger herb tea, to which honey may be added. Ginger can be made into candy or ginger wine.
Mature ginger rhizomes are fibrous and nearly dry. The juice from ginger roots is often used as a seasoning in Indian recipes and is a common ingredient of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and many South Asian cuisines for flavoring dishes such as seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes.
Fresh ginger can be substituted for ground ginger at a ratio of six to one, although the flavors of fresh and dried ginger are somewhat different. Powdered dry ginger root is typically used as a flavoring for recipes such as gingerbread, cookies, crackers and cakes, ginger ale, and ginger beer. Candied ginger or crystallized ginger, known in the UK as "stem ginger", is the root cooked in sugar until soft, and is a type of confectionery. Fresh ginger may be peeled before eating. For longer-term storage, the ginger can be placed in a plastic bag and refrigerated or frozen.





Accordingly, dietary ginger root may enhance testosterone production by boosting the production of NO and increasing the blood flow in the testis.
It's been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Ginger root is widely used in Eastern Herbal treatments - in Ayurveda it is known as the universal medicine and it is an ingredient of about half of all prescriptions in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The root is rich in volatile oils, gingerols and shogaols. The shogaols are only produced when the root is dried, as a breakdown substance of the gingerols. They are twice as pungent as the gingerols and so the dried root is normally used in different ways to the fresh root. The root is a sweet, pungent, aromatic, warming herb that is expectorant; increases perspiration; improves digestion and liver function; controls nausea, vomiting and coughing; stimulates the circulation; relaxes spasms; and relieves pain. The root is used internally in the treatment of all forms of nausea, including morning and motion sickness. It is used to treat indigestion, colic, abdominal chills, colds, coughs, influenza and peripheral circulatory problems. Externally, the root is used to treat spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual cramps and sprains

 gingerol, which has powerful medicinal properties
Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for much of ginger’s medicinal properties.
Gingerol has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, according to research. For instance, it may help reduce oxidative stress, which is the result of having an excess amount of free radicals in the body

 May help with weight loss
Ginger may play a role in weight loss, according to studies conducted in humans and animals.
A 2019 literature review concluded that ginger supplementation significantly reduced body weight, the waist-hip ratio, and the hip ratio in people with overweight or obesity.
A 2016 study of 80 women with obesity found that ginger could also help reduce body mass index (BMI) and blood insulin levels. High blood insulin levels are associated with obesity.
Study participants received relatively high daily doses — 2 grams — of ginger powder for 12 weeks .
A 2019 literature review of functional foods also concluded that ginger had a very positive effect on obesity and weight loss. However, additional studies are needed .
The evidence in favor of ginger’s role in helping prevent obesity is stronger in animal studies. Rats and mice who consumed ginger water or ginger extract consistently saw decreases in their body weight, even in instances where they’d also been fed high-fat diets
Ginger’s ability to influence weight loss may be related to certain mechanisms, such as its potential to help increase the number of calories burned or reduce inflammation.

Can treat many forms of nausea, especially morning sickness

Can help with osteoarthritis
It involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness.
One literature review found that people who used ginger to treat their OA saw significant reductions in pain and disability .
Only mild side effects, such as a dissatisfaction with the taste of ginger, were observed. However, the taste of ginger, along with stomach upset, still prompted nearly 22% of the study participants to drop out.
Study participants received between 500 milligrams (mg) and 1 gram of ginger each day for anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks. A majority of them had been diagnosed with OA of the knee .
Another study from 2011 found that a combination of topical ginger, mastic, cinnamon, and sesame oil can help reduce pain and stiffness in people with OA of the knee

May drastically lower blood sugars and improve heart disease risk factors
Can help treat chronic indigestion
May significantly reduce menstrual pain
May help lower cholesterol levels
 Contains a substance that may help prevent cancer
 May improve brain function and protect against Alzheimer’s disease
Can help fight infections

[Eggy]

Kevin
Tale a look at this.......


This is the result of heavy overnight "gales", overnight Saturday. Not sure if the top part will "re-take" if we plant it?
Cheers
Negg

[kevin-beverly]

Hi Neil

The top will not take

But leave the base in you might get new growth from the stem see how it goes

Kev

[kevin-beverly]

HI

Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare Is a flowering plant species in the carrot family.It is a hardy, perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It is indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean but has become widely naturalized in many parts of the world, especially on dry soils near the sea-coast and on riverbanks.
It is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb used in cooking and, along with the similar-tasting anise, is one of the primary ingredients of absinthe. Florence fennel or finocchio is a selection with a swollen, bulb-like stem base that is used as a vegetable.

Family:   Apiaceae
Genus:   Foeniculum
Species:   F. vulgare
Binomial name
Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, is a perennial herb. It is erect, glaucous green, and grows to heights of up to 2.5 metres, with hollow stems. The leaves grow up to 40 centimetres  long; they are finely dissected, with the ultimate segments filiform (threadlike), about 0.5 millimetres wide. (Its leaves are similar to those of dill, but thinner.) The flowers are produced in terminal compound umbels 5–15 centimetres  wide, each umbel section having 20–50 tiny yellow flowers on short pedicels. The fruit is a dry schizocarp from 4–10 millimetres  long, half as wide or less, and grooved. Since the seed in the fruit is attached to the pericarp, the whole fruit is often mistakenly called "seed".
Florence fennel is one of the three main herbs used in the preparation of absinthe, an alcoholic mixture which originated as a medicinal elixir in Europe and became, by the late 19th century, a popular alcoholic drink in France and other countries. Fennel fruit is also used in the production of akvavit OUZO DOES NOT COME FROM THIS PLANT

The Greek name for fennel is marathon (μάραθον) or marathos (μάραθος), and the place of the famous battle of Marathon literally means a plain with fennel. The word is first attested in Mycenaean Linear B form as ma-ra-tu-wo. In Hesiod's Theogony, Prometheus steals the ember of fire from the gods in a hollow fennel stalk.
As Old English finule, fennel is one of the nine plants invoked in the pagan Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm, recorded in the 10th century
The bulb, foliage, and fruits of the fennel plant are used in many of the culinary traditions of the world.
Dried fennel fruit is an aromatic, anise-flavored spice, brown or green in color when fresh, slowly turning a dull grey as the fruit ages. For cooking, green fruits are optimal. The leaves are delicately flavored and similar in shape to those of dill. The bulb is a crisp vegetable that can be sautéed, stewed, braised, grilled, or eaten raw. Tender young leaves are used for garnishes, as a salad, to add flavor to salads, to flavor sauces to be served with puddings, and also in soups and fish sauce. Both the inflated leaf bases and the tender young shoots can be eaten like celery.
Fennel fruits are sometimes confused with those of anise, which are similar in taste and appearance, though smaller. Fennel is also used as a flavoring in some natural toothpastes. The fruits are used in cookery and sweet desserts.

fennel = μάραθο -  máratho

Fennel was prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans who used it as medicine, food, and insect repellent. A fennel tea was believed to give courage to the warriors prior to battle. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus used a giant stalk of fennel to carry fire from Mount Olympus to Earth.








NONE
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), in normal food uses, is not toxic. Nor does it present toxicity in suitable medicinal uses. On the other hand, a number of possible side effects and contraindications have to be taken into account, especially in sensitive people, such as children and pregnant women and during breastfeeding.



Cooking,Relish Pasta salad Braised Stuffing Pizza Soup. Tea,Alcohol,Soft Drinks,
Plant in tubs pots garden



Fennel's dried ripe seeds and oil are used to make medicine. Fennel is used by mouth for excessive crying in infants (colic), indigestion (dyspepsia), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), and symptoms of menopause,
Highly nutritious
Both fennel and its seeds are packed with nutrients. Here’s the nutrition for 1 cup (87 grams) of raw fennel bulb and 1 tablespoon (6 grams) of dried fennel seeds

Contain powerful plant compounds
Perhaps the most impressive benefits of fennel and fennel seeds come from the antioxidants and potent plant compounds they contain.

Fennel seeds may suppress appetite
Fennel seeds may not only add depth and flavor to your recipes but also help curb appetite.

Can benefit heart health
Eating fennel and its seeds may benefit heart health in a number of ways, as they’re packed with fiber — a nutrient shown to reduce certain heart disease risk factors like high cholesterol.

May have cancer-fighting properties
The wide array of powerful plant compounds in fennel may help protect against chronic diseases, including certain cancers.

May benefit breastfeeding women
Fennel has been shown to have galactogenic properties, meaning it helps increase milk secretion. Research suggests that specific substances found in anethole, such as dianethole and photoanethole, are responsible for the galactogenic effects of the plant

May benefit mental health.
May reduce inflammation.
May have antibacterial properties.
May relieve menopausal symptoms.
Relief of menstrual cramps
Wounds and bites
Boosting libido
According to folklore, fennel can be used as an aphrodisiac, or a substance that boosts sexual drive. Unfortunately for lovebirds, there is not a lot of scholarly research to back up this particular claim so far.

Taste and fragrance
Fennel can be distilled to create a volatile oil. Volatile oils typically have a pleasant smell and are easily absorbed by the skin. This means that fennel oil is ideal for soaps and perfumes. Fennel also has a pleasant flavor and is often used to improve the taste of medications.

Fighting disease
Recent scientific studies show that simple spices, which include sweet fennel and red chili, are potentially effective in fighting and slowing the growth of certain bacteria associated with cholera.