Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Narrow-leaved willowherb

(Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium)

galery
en

Description

Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium, commonly known as narrow-leaved willowherb, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Onagraceae. It is a widespread and adaptable species that can be found in various habitats across Europe, Asia, and North America. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the botanical characteristics, distribution, habitat, cultural significance, and medicinal uses of Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium. Botanical Characteristics Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium is a clump-forming perennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The plant has a deep taproot system and a slender stem that is covered in fine hairs. The leaves of narrow-leaved willowherb are lanceolate or narrowly elliptic, with a length of 4 to 10 cm and a width of 2 to 8 mm. The leaves are alternate, simple, and have finely serrated margins. The upper surface of the leaves is green, while the lower surface is pale and covered in fine hairs. The flowers of Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium are pink-purple, and they bloom from late spring to early autumn. The flowers are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence that can grow up to 30 cm in length. Each flower has four petals, four sepals, and eight stamens. The fruit of the plant is a long and slender capsule that contains numerous seeds. The seeds of narrow-leaved willowherb are small and have a tuft of silky hairs that aid in wind dispersal. Distribution and Habitat Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium is native to Europe and Asia, where it can be found in a wide range of habitats, including meadows, forests, heaths, and rocky slopes. The plant is also naturalized in North America, where it has become widespread and invasive in some regions. Narrow-leaved willowherb can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline, and it can grow in both dry and wet conditions. Cultural Significance Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium has played an essential role in traditional medicine and folklore across its native range. In Russia, the plant is known as Ivan Chai and has been used for centuries as a herbal tea. The tea is believed to have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, alleviating digestive problems, and promoting relaxation. In Europe, narrow-leaved willowherb has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections. The plant has also been used as a dye plant, with the flowers and leaves yielding a yellow or green color. Medicinal Uses Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium contains a range of compounds that are believed to have medicinal properties, including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. The plant has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it a useful herb for treating a range of conditions. One of the most well-known uses of narrow-leaved willowherb is as a herbal tea. The tea is made by steeping the dried leaves and flowers of the plant in hot water. The tea is believed to have a range of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and promoting relaxation. Epilobium angustifolium angustifolium has also been used topically to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Myrtales
Family:Onagraceae
Genus:Epilobium
News coming your way
The biggest news about our planet delivered to you each day