Digitalis purpurea - Red foxglove

Digitalis purpurea, also known as the red foxglove, is a multi -year or two -year -old plant from the Plantaginaceae family. This plant is native to Europe and has a long history both in ornamental nursery and in medicine. Digitalis purpurea is particularly known for its pharmacologically active connections, the heart glycosides that play an important role in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, the plant is potentially dangerous due to its high toxicity and should be treated with caution.

Morphology

Digitalis purpurea is an impressive plant that can reach a height of up to 150 centimeters. It forms a rosette made of large, elongated, torn-shaped leaves, which are roughly serrated and hairy. The leaves are hairy on the underside, while the top is dark green and rough. The upright, unexpected flower stem rises from the leaf rosette and carries a variety of striking, tubular flowers, which are arranged in dense, grape -like inflorescences.

The flowers of Digitalis purpurea are usually purple colors, with variants with white, pink or yellow flowers. Each flower is 4 to 6 centimeters long, hairy on the outside and often provided with darker spots and a speckled pattern on the inside, which gives them a conspicuous appearance. The flowers are cygomorphic, that is, they have a bilateral symmetry, and their shape resembles a thimble, which gave the plant its common name.

The flowering period of the red foxglove extends from June to August. After pollination by insects, especially bees, the plant develops small, egg -shaped capsules that contain numerous tiny seeds. These seeds are spread by the wind and can germinate quickly under favorable conditions.

Distribution and habitat

Digitalis purpurea is native to Europe, where it occurs in different habitats. The plant prefers light -rich, but not fully sunny locations and often grows on forest edges, in light forests, on clearings, in pagans and on embankments. It thrives particularly well on acidic, sandy to loamy soils that are well permeable and have a moderate moisture.

Due to its attractive flowers, Digitalis purpurea is also often cultivated in gardens, where it is often used as an ornamental plant in herbal beds and natural gardens. The plant has also established itself as a naturalized species in some parts of North America and other moderate regions, where it occurs in similar habitats as in its homeland.

Pharmacological meaning

Digitalis purpurea is one of the most important plants in the history of medicine, especially in cardiology. The plant contains heart glycosides, especially digoxin and digitoxin, which have a strong effect on the cardiovascular system. These connections increase the contraction of the heart muscle, slow down the heart rate and promote a more efficient pumping performance of the heart.

Digitalis purpurea has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat heart failure and certain cardiac arrhythmias. Modern medicine uses standardized extracts and synthetic derivatives of the heart glycosides to treat patients with heart failure or atrial fibrillation. Digoxin, one of the best -known heart glycosides, is still used in cardiology, although it is administered under strict medical supervision due to its narrow therapeutic window and the potential toxicity.

Despite its therapeutic importance, Digitalis purpurea is highly toxic, and overdose can have serious consequences, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, visual disturbances and in severe cases. It is therefore extremely important that all preparations from Digitalis purpurea are only used under medical control.

Toxicity and security

The toxicity of Digitalis purpurea makes the plant dangerous, especially in households with children or pets. All parts of the plant, in particular the leaves and seeds, contain high concentrations of heart glycosides that can be poisonous in small quantities. Poison by consumption of plant parts manifests itself through symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cardiac arrhythmias that can be life -threatening.

It is therefore crucial that Digitalis purpurea is planted in gardens and public areas with caution. For medical purposes, the plant should only be used under the strict supervision of specialist staff, and the dosage of heart glycosides must be carefully checked in order to minimize the risk of overdose.

Ecological meaning and cultivation

Despite its toxicity, Digitalis purpurea plays an important role in the ecosystem. The flowers are rich in nectar and a valuable source of food for various pollinators, especially bees and bumblebees. In gardens, the plant is valued for its striking flowers and can create attractive plantings in combination with other perennials and wild flowers.

Digitalis purpurea is relatively easy to cultivate. The plant prefers well -permeable, slightly acidic floors and can thrive both in full sun and in partial shade. Sowing takes place in spring or autumn, and the seeds are usually germinated within two to three weeks. Once established, the plant only requires minimal care and can easily spread out in suitable locations through self -sowing.