Ligustrum vulgare - ordinary league

Ligustrum vulgarian, generally known as an ordinary league or European league, is a multi -year, evergreen or half -green plant from the family of oil tree plants (oleaceae). This plant is native to Europe, North Africa and West Asia and has spread in other parts of the world due to its adaptability and robustness. Ligustrum Vulgare is often used in landscape design and for hedge plantings and also plays an important role in the natural ecosystems.

morphology

Ligustrum vulgare is a shrub or small tree that can reach a height of 2 to 5 meters. The plant has a dense, branched growth shape with upright, sometimes overhanging branches. The bark is smooth and gray -brown, in older plants it can be slightly cracked.

The leaves are arranged, simple and lanceolate to egg -shaped. They are 2 to 6 centimeters long and about 1 to 2 centimeters wide. The leaves are whole, dark green and shiny on the top, while the underside is a bit brighter. In mild climate zones, the league remains green all year round, while in colder regions it partially or completely loses its leaves in winter.

The flowers of Ligustrum Vulgare appear in late spring to early summer, usually from May to June. They are small, white and fragrant, arranged in dense, terminal panicles. Each flower has four petals and measures about 5 to 6 millimeters in diameter. The intensive scent of the flowers attracts numerous pollinators, including bees, flies and butterflies.

The fruits are small, spherical berries that are initially green and become black in late summer until autumn. Each berry contains 1 to 4 seeds. The berries are poisonous for humans, but an important source of food for many species of birds that contribute to spreading seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Ligustrum Vulgare is widespread throughout Europe and also occurs in parts of North Africa and West Asia. The plant prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and grows in a variety of habitats, including forest edges, hedges, bushes and river banks. It thrives on a wide variety of soils, from sandy to loamy, and shows a high tolerance to dryness, air pollution and urban conditions.

Ecological meaning

Ligustrum Vulgare plays an important role in the ecosystems in which it occurs. The dense inflorescences offer a rich source of food for pollinators, especially bees that contribute to the pollination of many plant species. The flowers are also attractive for different types of beetles that play an important role in ecological balance.

The berries from Ligustrum Vulgarian are an important source of food for birds such as throttles, amsules and robin. These birds contribute to the spread by eating the berries and spreading the seeds over their feces. The dense structure of the shrub also offers protection and nesting opportunities for birds and other small animals.

Use and economic importance

Ligustrum Vulgare is often used in gardening and landscaping, especially as a hedge plant. Due to its dense growth form and its ability to react well to cutting measures, the league is ideal for formal hedges and privacy planting. It is also used in wind protection strips and as a ground stabilizer on slopes and embankments.

Various parts of the plant, including the leaves and berries, were used in traditional medicine because of their supposed medical properties. Extracts from Ligustrum Vulgare were used to treat stomach complaints, rheumatism and as a general strength. However, the scientific evidence is limited for these applications and the plant should be used with caution due to its potential toxicity.

Research and maintenance

Research on Ligustrum Vulgare focuses on its ecological interactions, its adaptation mechanisms on different environmental conditions and its role in invasive plant communities. In some regions outside of its natural distribution area, especially in North America and Australia, Ligustrum Vulgare has established itself as an invasive way and can displace local plants. Therefore, monitoring and control of its spread in these areas is important.

Conservation measures for Ligustrum Vulgare include the protection of its natural habitats and the promotion of its use in sustainable landscape design. Botanical gardens play an important role in cultivating and maintaining genetic diversity by creating seed banks and placing plants for resettlement in suitable habitats.