Evening primrose
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a plant species in the family Onagraceae, native to North America. It is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the evening, hence its common name. The plant is also referred to as common evening-primrose, evening star, and sun drop.
Pronunciation
- Evening Primrose: /ˈiːvnɪŋ ˈprɪmroʊz/
Etymology
The term "Evening Primrose" is derived from the plant's habit of blooming in the evening. The genus name Oenothera is derived from the Greek words oinos (wine) and thera (hunt), as it was once believed that the plant's roots could counteract the effects of wine. The species name biennis refers to the plant's two-year lifecycle.
Description
Evening Primrose is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its lifecycle in two years. In the first year, it forms a rosette of leaves at ground level, and in the second year, it sends up a flower spike that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The flowers are bright yellow and bloom in the evening, remaining open until the following morning.
Uses
Evening Primrose has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The plant's seeds contain Evening Primrose Oil, which is rich in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. Evening Primrose Oil is used to treat a variety of conditions, including eczema, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and rheumatoid arthritis.
Related Terms
- Onagraceae: The plant family to which Evening Primrose belongs.
- Biennial Plant: A plant that completes its lifecycle in two years.
- Evening Primrose Oil: Oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose plant, used in traditional medicine.
- Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): An essential fatty acid found in Evening Primrose Oil.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Evening primrose
- Wikipedia's article - Evening primrose
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