Pulmonaria officinalis - Common lungwort

The common lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) belongs to the family of Boraginaceae. This persistent herbaceous plant in Europe is native and known for its medical use, its early heyday and the striking, spotted leaves.

Morphology

Pulmonaria officinalis is a multi -year plant that reaches a height of 15 to 30 cm. The plant forms an underground rhizome that serves to overlap. The basic leaves are oval to lanceolate, about 10 to 20 cm long and provided with silvery-white spots, which gave the plant their name. The leaves are rough hairy, a typical characteristic of the Boraginaceae.

The flowers are in dense, terminal winding and changing the color in the course of their development. Initially pink to reddish, they later turn into a deep violet to blue. This change of color is created by changes in the cell juice pH value and serves as a signal for pollinators. The flowering period extends from March to May. The small, four -part clause fruits each contain a seed.

Distribution and habitat

The common lungwort is common in Central, South and Eastern Europe. It prefers partially shady to shady locations in leaf and mixed forests, forest edges and hedges. It grows primarily on nutrient -rich, humus floors with good moisture and preferred limestone locations. As a spring geophyt, it uses the light conditions in forests before the trees are thrown out.

Ecological meaning

The common lungwort is an important source of nectar for early pollinators such as bumblebees, bees and butterflies. The color change of the flowers indicates which flowers have already been dusted, which increases the efficiency of pollination. In addition, the plant contributes to stabilizing forest floors through its dense growth.

Use in medicine

Became historical Pulmonaria officinalis Due to the "signature teaching": the spotted leaves should remind of lung tissue and symbolize a healing power for respiratory diseases. In fact, the plant contains mucous materials, tannins and small amounts of allantoin that can have an anti -inflammatory and expectorant. It was used in cough, bronchitis and hoarseness.

However, modern applications are rare because the effectiveness of the ingredients in low concentrations is limited. In addition, the common lungwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can have an excessive effect on liver damage.

Use in garden culture

Pulmonaria officinalis is also valued as an ornamental plant. Your early, colorful flowers and decorative leaves make you a popular plant for natural gardens, shady beds and wild plantations. It is easy to cultivate, but prefers moist, humus -rich soils.