Shepherd's purse

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Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a small annual plant and member of the Brassicaceae family, known for its distinctive heart-shaped seed pods. It is native to eastern Europe and Asia minor but is naturalized and considered a common weed in many parts of the world.

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈʃɛpərdz ˈpɜːrs/

Etymology

The name "Shepherd's Purse" is derived from the appearance of the plant's triangular, flat, purse-like pods, which resemble a shepherd's purse or pouch.

Description

Shepherd's Purse is a small (up to 0.5 m tall), erect, annual herb. The leaves are petiolate, lobed, and form a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are white and small, arranged in a loose raceme at the top of the stem. The fruit is a heart-shaped capsule, containing numerous small seeds.

Medical Uses

Shepherd's Purse has been used in traditional medicine for its supposed hemostatic properties. It has been used to stop bleeding, including nosebleeds, heavy menstruation, and bleeding after childbirth. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.

Related Terms

  • Capsella: The genus to which Shepherd's Purse belongs.
  • Brassicaceae: The family of flowering plants to which Shepherd's Purse belongs.
  • Hemostatic: A substance that promotes clotting and stops bleeding.

See Also

External links

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