Potentilla kurdica - Kurdish cinquefoil

Potentilla kurdica, also known as Kurdish cinquefoil, belongs to the family of rose plants (Rosaceae). This multi-year herbaceous plant is located in the mountainous regions of the Middle East, especially in the Kurdistan area, which extends over parts of Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Potentilla kurdica is known for its adaptability to rough environmental conditions and its potential medical applications.

Morphology

Potentilla kurdica is a multi -year, low -growing plant that typically reaches a height of 10 to 30 centimeters. It forms a basic rosette of feathered leaves that consist of several small, serrated leaves. The leaves are gray -green and densely hairy, which protects the plant from excessive water loss and helps it to survive in dry climate zones.

The flowers of Potentilla kurdica are characteristic of fifties and have a diameter of about 1 to 2 centimeters. They are bright yellow and appear in loose, terminal umbels. The flowers have five crown leaves that are typically yellow, and five goblet leaves that are green and also slightly hairy. The flowering period extends from May to July, depending on the climatic conditions of the location.

The fruits of the plant are small, dry nuts that are arranged in collective fruits. These fruits ripen in late summer and autumn and are spread through wind and animals, which contributes to the spread of the plant.

Distribution and Habitat

Potentilla kurdica is at home in the mountainous regions of Kurdistan. The plant prefers stony, well -permeable soils and often occurs at high altitudes of 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level. It grows in open grass landscapes, alpine meadows, scree fields and on forest edges. The plant is well adapted to cold winter and hot, dry summer, which makes it an important part of the alpine and subalpine flora in this region.

Ecological meaning

Potentilla kurdica plays an important role in the ecosystems of her home regions. It contributes to stabilizing the soil and prevents erosion through its deep -reaching root system. The flowers offer nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies and other insects, which contributes to the promotion of biodiversity. In addition, the plant can serve as a source of feed for different herbivors.

Use and economic importance

Potentilla kurdica has a certain importance in traditional medicine in the region. Parts of the plant are used to treat gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation and skin diseases. The plant contains bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and tannins that have anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These ingredients could be of interest to future pharmacological studies.

In horticulture, Potentilla kurdica is valued due to its decorative leaves and bright yellow flowers. It is well suited for rock gardens, natural gardens and alpine landscapes, where it needs little care and contributes to aesthetic diversity. Her tolerance to dryness and barren soils makes it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and other water -saving horticultural practices.

Research and maintenance

Research on Potentilla kurdica focuses on their chemical ingredients, their ecological roles and their potential applications in medicine and horticulture. Botanical gardens and research institutions are working to preserve the genetic diversity of this plant and further examine its properties. In view of the loss of natural habitats and threats from climate change, conservation measures are important to stabilize the populations of Potentilla kurdica. The protection of natural habitats and the promotion of sustainable land use are crucial to ensure the long -term preservation of this kind.