Lunaria rediviva - Perennial honesty

Lunaria rediviva, also known as perennial honesty, is a multi-year herbaceous plant from the family of Brassicaceae. This impressive manner is native to Europe and parts of Asia and is appreciated for its characteristic, silver shiny fruit and her delicate fragrance. It plays an important role in partially shady to shady habitats and is an important part of natural gardens.

Morphological characteristics

Lunaria rediviva reaches a growth of 50 to 120 cm. The plant forms upright, branched stems that drive out of a strong root. The leaves are heart -shaped to egg -shaped, roughly serrated and slightly hairy on the edges. They are changeable on the stem and have a soft, green texture.

The flowers appear in late spring until early summer and are in loose grapes. They are fourpis, tender purple up to violet and exude a pleasant fragrance, which is intensely noticeable, especially in the evening. This fragrance attracts nocturnal pollinators such as enthusiasts and moths, while bees and butterflies visit the flowers during the day.

After the pollination, the characteristic, flat pod fruits that are elongated and oval develop and have a paper-like, silvery-white middle class. These fruit pods often stay on the plant until the winter and are a striking aesthetic feature.

Distribution and habitat

Lunaria rediviva is widespread in large parts of Europe and West Asia. It grows preferably in shady to partially shaded, damp forests, on forest edges and on limestone floors. They are particularly common in beech and mixed forests. Due to its preference for undisturbed, nutrient -rich soils, it is considered a pointer for intact forest habitats.

Ecological meaning

The plant contributes to promoting pollinator populations through its fragrance and her flower color. It offers nectar and pollen for a variety of insects, including bees, bumblebees and butterflies. The fruit pods serve birds and small mammals as a source of food, while the dense leaf mass and the stems offer protection for smaller animals in the undergrowth.

Use and cultivation

Lunaria rediviva is often cultivated in natural gardens and parks. Due to its demandingness and aesthetic effect, it is a popular plant for shady locations. Historically, it was also collected because of her fruit pods, which were used as decoration in dry flower arrangements.

Hanging and protection

In some regions, the species is declining due to the loss of habitat and intensification of forestry. Protective measures for the preservation of old forests and to promote natural forest edges are essential to secure their existence.