Sambucus ebulus - Danewort

Sambucus ebulus, known as a danewort, is a multi-year herbaceous plant from the Adoxaceae family. Unlike his well -known relatives, the black elder (Sambucus nigra) and the red elder (Sambucus racemosa), Sambucus ebulus is not a tree or shrub, but a persistent perennial. The plant is widespread in Europe, North Africa and parts of West Asia and has aroused interest due to its historical and medical importance and its ecological properties.

Morphology

Sambucus ebulus reaches a height of around 50 to 150 centimeters. The upright, unexpected stem is hollow and often slightly reddish. The plant forms extensive, underground rhizomes through which it can form dense stocks. These rhizomes play an important role in vegetative increase and enable the plant to quickly colonize large areas.

The leaves of Sambucus ebulus are arranged and feathered, with 7 to 11 lanceolate petals, which have a serrated edge. The leaves are deep green and exude a characteristic, sharp smell that indicates the presence of bitter and possibly toxic compounds.

The inflorescences are flat, umbel -like panicles, which consist of numerous small, white to pink flowers. The flowering period extends from June to August. After the pollination, small, glossy black berry fruits develop in dense grapes. These fruits are striking, but, like most parts of the plant, slightly poisonous for humans.

Distribution and habitat

Sambucus ebulus is widespread in large parts of Europe and is often found in bushes, on forest edges, along river banks and on ruderal areas. The plant prefers nutrient -rich, moist soils and often grows near human settlements, where it benefits from disturbed soils and an abundance of nutrients. Due to their tolerance compared to various environmental conditions and their ability to spread through Rhizome quickly, Sambucus ebulus is considered an invasive in some regions and can displace other plant species.

Ecological meaning

Despite their potential invasiveness, Sambucus ebulus plays an important role in their ecosystems. The flowers of the plant offer a source of food for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies and other insects. The berries are eaten by birds that contribute to the spread of the seeds. The plant also serves as a habitat for different types of insects and can contribute to stabilizing the soil in disturbed habitats.

Sambucus ebulus is an important pioneer plant in disturbed areas and contributes to the restoration of vegetation due to its rapid spread. Her ability to multiply through rhizomes enables her to quickly form dense stocks that protect the soil and prevent erosion.

Use and toxicity

Historically, Sambucus ebulus was used in traditional medicine, although the plant, in particular its fruits and leaves, contains toxic compounds, including cyanogenic glycosides such as sambunigrine. These substances can cause nausea, vomiting and other poisoning symptoms when eating. Therefore, the use of the plant in modern herbal medicine is largely discouraged.

Nevertheless, there are reports on the use of the plant in folk medicine, in particular for the treatment of skin diseases, rheumatic complaints and as a laxative. The root was also used as a diuretic in the past. However, it is important to emphasize that the improper use of this plant can be dangerous.

In some regions, Sambucus ebulus was also used as a color plant because the berries contain an intensive red dye that was used to color fabrics and to produce inks.

Conservation and protection

Sambucus ebulus is not endangered in most parts of its distribution area and shows high adaptability to different environmental conditions. In some regions, however, the plant can be pushed back through intensive agricultural practices and the destruction of habitats. At the same time, their tendency towards invasiveness in other areas can be a challenge for nature conservation, since it can displace domestic plant species there.

Measures to control the spread of Sambucus ebulus include the careful monitoring of areas on which the plant occurs, and the promotion of biodiversity by preserving habitats, which are less susceptible to invasions due to fast -growing pioneering types.