Heller myotomy

Helleborus niger, commonly known as the Christmas rose or black hellebore, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to the mountainous regions of Europe, particularly in Switzerland and Germany.

Description

Helleborus niger is an evergreen perennial plant with dark leathery pedate leaves carried on stems 9–12 in (23–30 cm) tall. The large flat flowers, borne on short stems from midwinter to early spring, are generally white, but may be tinged with pink. It is one of the earliest blooming garden plants and, despite its common name of Christmas rose, it is not a true rose.

Cultivation

Helleborus niger is valued in gardening for its winter and early spring flowering period; the plants are particularly valued for their ability to bloom in the shady garden, when few other plants are in bloom. It requires a moist but well-drained site under the shade of trees. It is suitable for rock gardens and woodland gardens.

Toxicity

All parts of the Helleborus niger plant are toxic, and ingestion can lead to severe vomiting and seizures. Despite this, it has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, with caution.

Uses

In herbal medicine, Helleborus niger has been used to treat paralysis, gout and particularly insanity. It has also been used as a purgative. However, due to its toxicity, it is rarely used today.

Cultural Significance

In Christian symbolism, the Christmas rose is associated with the birth of Christ and the subsequent flight into Egypt to avoid King Herod's massacre of infants.

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