Lavandula angustifolia - True lavender

The true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), also known as a narrow -leaf lavender, belongs to the family of the lip flower (Lamiaceae). This aromatic, persistent plant is known for its versatile use in cosmetics, medicine and horticulture. Originally native to the Mediterranean regions, the lavender has achieved great popularity worldwide.

Morphology

Lavandula angustifolia is an evergreen half -shrub that can reach heights of 30 to 80 cm. The shoots cancel in the lower area, while the younger branches are herbaceous and strongly hairy. The leaves are narrow, lanceolate and gray -green color. They are densely occupied by trichoma (glandular hair) that produce essential oils.

The flowers appear in sparse inflorescences that develop at the end of the stems. They are mostly violet, with the color palette ranging from light purple to deep blue. The inflorescences consist of several bogus wheels, each consisting of six to ten single flowers. The heyday is between June and August.

Distribution and habitat

The true lavender is native to southern Europe, especially in the mountainous regions of Spain, France and Italy. There he grows preferably on calcareous, well -permeable soils in full sun. Due to its high adaptability, Lavandula angustifolia is cultivated in many moderate and subtropical regions.

Lavender thrives best in dry, warm climate and is extremely resistant to dryness. Frost hardness up to about -15 ° C also makes it suitable for cultivation in Central Europe.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of the essential lavender oil are Linalool, Linalyl acetate, Campher and Cineol. These connections give the plant its characteristic properties, including the calming fragrance and the antiseptic effects. The leaves and flowers also contain flavonoids, tannins and saponins.

Ecological meaning

Lavendel is an important source of food for pollecting insects such as bees, butterflies and bumblebees. Due to its abundance of flower and long flowering, the plant contributes significantly to the promotion of biodiversity.

Use

Lavender has been used for different purposes for centuries:

• In medicine: Its calming, antispasmodic and anti -inflammatory effect makes it an estimated remedy for insomnia, nervousness and light skin irritation.
• In cosmetics: The essential oil is a central component of perfumes, soaps and skin care products.
• In the kitchen: The flowers are used as a spice, for example in herb mixtures such as "Herbes de Provence".
• In horticulture: Lavender is used as an ornamental plant and to defend pests such as aphids.

Make the versatile properties Lavandula angustifolia to one of the most important healing and crops.