Pilosella officinarum
Pilosella officinarum
Pilosella officinarum (pronunciation: pi-lo-sel-la of-fi-ci-na-rum), commonly known as Mouse-ear Hawkweed, is a perennial flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to Europe but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.
Etymology
The genus name Pilosella is derived from the Latin word 'pilosus', meaning 'hairy', which refers to the hairy leaves of the plant. The species name officinarum indicates that the plant has been used in traditional medicine.
Description
Pilosella officinarum is a small plant, typically growing to a height of 10-30 cm. The leaves are hairy and form a basal rosette. The flowers are yellow and resemble those of a dandelion. The plant reproduces both sexually, through the production of seeds, and asexually, through the growth of stolons.
Medicinal Uses
Traditionally, Pilosella officinarum has been used in herbal medicine for its diuretic and astringent properties. It has been used to treat conditions such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and skin conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.
Related Terms
- Asteraceae: The family of flowering plants to which Pilosella officinarum belongs.
- Perennial plant: A plant that lives for more than two years.
- Stolon: A horizontal stem that grows along the ground and can produce new plants at its tips or nodes.
- Diuretic: A substance that promotes diuresis, the increased production of urine.
- Astringent: A substance that causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to protect the skin and to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pilosella officinarum
- Wikipedia's article - Pilosella officinarum
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