Evening primrose Facts
Evening primrose Facts
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Interesting Evening primrose Facts: |
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Evening primrose has erect stem that can reach 2 to 6 feet in height. |
Leaves of evening primrose are arranged in the form of rosette at the base of the plant. They are lance-shaped and green colored. Flowering stem (which plant develops during the second year of growth) is covered with spirally arranged leaves. |
Evening primrose produces bowl-shaped flowers. They lasts only one day. During their short lifespan, flowers change color from pale yellow to golden yellow. Some species of evening primrose produce white, pink, red and purple flowers. |
Evening primrose blooms during the spring and summer. Flowers open late in the afternoon and close at the sunrise, hence the name "evening primrose". They emit lemony fragrance which attracts moths, main pollinators of this plant. |
Fruit of evening primrose is capsule filled with numerous elongated seed. Ripe capsule splits in four parts to release seed. Fruit ripens late in the summer and during the fall. |
Evening primrose can produce 150.000 seed per season. |
Evening primrose propagates via seed. |
Seed of evening primrose are important source of food for the birds in the wild. |
Evening primrose can be used in human diet. Root can be consumed as root vegetables and young leaves as leafy vegetables. Flowers are most commonly used in decorative purposes (usually as a garnish for various desserts). |
Evening primrose earned a nickname "king's cure-all" in the 17th century in Europe, because it was used in treatment of numerous disorders. |
Evening primrose is still popular as herbal remedy. It is often used in treatment of menstrual disorders, eczema, sore throat, stomach ache, bruises and arthritis. |
Oil extracted from seed of evening primrose contains high quantities of beta-linolenic and gamma-linoleic acids that are beneficial for the humans health. This oil is available in the liquid form and in the form of capsules. |
According to a myth, fairies collect dew from the flowers of evening primrose and use it to prepare magic potions. |
Evening primrose is often cultivated in moon gardens (gardens composed of flowers that open at night) and butterfly gardens (gardens composed of flowers that attract butterflies). |
Evening primrose is biennial plant, which means that it completes its life cycle in two years. |
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