Agrostemma githago

Agrostemma githago is a one -year herbaceous plant from the Caryophyllaceae family. Originally native to Europe, it was once a frequent weed in grain fields, especially in wheat fields. Their striking, pink to violet flowers make them an attractive plant, which today, however, rarely occurs in nature. This is due to the use of modern agricultural practices that have greatly reduced their spread. Although the grain was feared as weeds in earlier times, it has a special place in the flora because of its rarity and aesthetic value.

Morphology

Agrostemma githago is a slim, upright growing plant that can reach a height of 30 to 100 centimeters. The stem is sparsely branched, round and densely hairy. The entire plant is covered by soft, fine hair that gives it a woolly look.

The leaves of the grain wheel are narrow and lanceolate, about 4 to 10 centimeters long and 1 to 2 centimeters wide. They are arranged and also hairy, which gives them a rough texture. The leaves are characterized by a non -very pronounced Mittelnerv.

The flowers of Agrostemma githago are the most striking feature of the plant. They are usually arranged individually at the ends of the stems and reach a diameter of 3 to 5 centimeters. The five petals are bright pink to violet and have a slightly jagged structure on the edge. The goblet leaves are longer than the petals and enclose the flower in a characteristic, pointed shape. The cornrade blooms from June to August, and its flowers are hermaphrodite, which means that they contain both male and female reproductive organs.

The fruits are elongated, hairy capsules that contain numerous black, kidney -shaped seeds. These seeds are strongly poisonous and have often been accidentally harvested with the grain in the past, which led to poisoning.

Distribution and habitat

Agrostemma githago used to be widespread throughout Europe and mainly populated grain fields, especially wheat fields. The plant preferred nutrient -rich, well -permeable soils and occurred particularly often in regions with moderate climate. Their seeds could easily be spread through the harvesting and processing of grain, which promoted their presence in agricultural areas.

With the introduction of improved seed cleaning processes and the increased use of herbicides in agriculture, however, the spread of the grain wheel decreased drastically. Today it has become rare in many parts of Europe and is often seen as an indicator type for traditional agricultural practices. In some regions it is even classified as endangered.

Toxicology

An important reason why Agrostemma githago was once considered a dangerous weed is the toxicity of her seeds. These contain saponins, especially githagine, and other toxic substances that are harmful to both humans and animals. Even the consumption of small amounts of the seeds can lead to severe poisoning, which are expressed by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases through breathing difficulties and cardiovascular problems.

In earlier centuries, poisoning caused by Agrostemma githago when their seeds were accidentally mixed with the grain and processed into flour. This problem contributed to the strong reduction of the grain rade stocks, as farmers began to pay more attention to cleaning their seeds and use weed control.

Ecological and cultural meaning

Although Agrostemma githago is rare in nature today, it still plays an important role in certain ecosystems. It offers nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. In the cultural landscape, it is considered a relic plant that is associated with traditional agricultural practices.

Agrostemma githago also found its place culturally. In art and literature, it is often represented as a symbol of the beauty of nature and the dangers of agriculture. Despite her toxicity, it is cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant, where it is valued because of its attractive flowers.

Protection and maintenance

Due to its rarity and its decline in the wilderness, Agrostemma githago is now viewed as a plant worth protecting in many countries. There are efforts to maintain their stocks through cultivation in natural gardens and the promotion of traditional agricultural practices. In some regions, it is sown again in grain fields to increase biodiversity and to preserve historical landscapes.