Digitalis grandiflora - Yellow foxglove

Digitalis grandiflora, also known as yellow foxglove, is a multi -year herbaceous plant from the family of the Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae). This plant is native to Asia in Europe and parts and is characterized by its striking, yellow flowers. Like other types of genus digitalis, Digitalis grandiflora also contains heart glycosides, which are of great importance in medicine. Because of its toxicity and its aesthetic value, this plant plays an important role in both nature and in the cultural history of mankind.

Morphology

Digitalis grandiflora is a persistent, herbaceous plant that reaches a height of 60 to 120 centimeters. The plant forms a basic leaf grosette of elongated, lanceolate leaves that are slightly hairy. The leaves have a serrated edge and a pronounced middle rib, which is typical for many foxglies.

The inflorescence of Digitalis grandiflora is a final, grape -like inflorescence that produces a variety of hanging, bell -shaped flowers from June to August. The flowers are light yellow and reach a length of about 3 to 4 centimeters. Your inside is often sprinkled with brown or orange stains, which attract insects as juice into pollination. The flowers are cygomorphic, which means that they are symmetrical along an axis, which is characteristic of plants in the Plantaginaceae family.

The fruit of Digitalis grandiflora is an elongated capsule that contains a variety of tiny seeds. These seeds are spread by the wind, which contributes to the increase and spread of the plant in suitable habitats.

Distribution and habitat

Digitalis grandiflora is widespread in Europe, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, and in West Asia. The plant prefers partially shaded locations and thrives on calcareous, moderately dry to fresh soils. It is often found in light forests, on forest edges, in bushes and on forest meadows. In the Alps and other low mountain ranges, it can be found at up to about 2,000 meters.

Due to its adaptability to various environmental conditions, Digitalis grandiflora can occur on barren, stony soils and in more nutrient -rich habitats. The plant is relatively undemanding as long as the soil is well permeable and the location is at least temporarily sufficiently moist.

Ecological meaning

Digitalis grandiflora plays an important role in the ecosystems in which it occurs. The striking flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, bumblebees and butterflies. The plant specializes in attracting insects for pollination by offering both visual stimuli (such as the juice in the flowers) and olfactory stimuli.

In addition, the plant contributes to biodiversity in forest and meadow ecosystems by offering food and habitat for different types of insects. The seeds of Digitalis grandiflora are distributed by ants (myrmecocheory), which contributes to the genetic mix and colonization of new habitats.

Medical importance and toxicity

Like other foxgies, Digitalis grandiflora contains heart glycosides, especially digitoxin and digoxin. These substances affect the cardiovascular system by increasing the contraction force of the heart muscle and lowering the heart rate. For this reason, foxgies have been used in medicine for the treatment of heart failure and certain cardiac arrhythmias for centuries.

However, it is important to emphasize that all parts of the plant are poisonous and can lead to severe poisoning in the event of improper use. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and cardiac arrhythmias that can be potentially life -threatening. Therefore, the therapeutic use of digitalis derivatives is strictly controlled and should only be carried out under medical supervision.

Cultural history and use

The yellow foxglove has played a special role in human cultural history, both as an ornamental plant and in folk medicine. Due to its decorative flowers, the plant is occasionally cultivated in gardens, although it is not used as often as the more well -known red dachut (Digitalis purpurea).

In folk medicine, Digitalis grandiflora was used like other foxglies before their toxicity was fully understood. Nowadays, due to the high risk of poisoning, the plant is no longer used in folk medicine, but finds its place primarily in scientific and pharmaceutical research.

Conservation and protection

Digitalis grandiflora is currently not at risk in its natural distribution area. Nevertheless, it is important to protect the habitats of this plant, especially in view of the threats due to loss of habitat and climate change. In some regions, the plant can come under pressure through intensive forestry and agriculture that lead to the destruction of their natural habitats.

In protected areas, such as nature parks and nature conservation reserves, the preservation of local flora, including Digitalis grandiflora, is supported by measures such as the promotion of natural forests and avoiding the floors.