Aquilegia

aguileña aquilegia vulgaris

Aquilegia
aguileña aquilegia vulgaris

The columbine is a plant that is renewed each year and rarely reaches the meter height. Its leaves are born of the strains and branch into the top of the plant. They have some very long corner, and each leaf is divided into three segments of three una. Esta each plant grows in cool areas, mostly in forests,

ravines and meadows. We can find it on the north side of the Iberian Peninsula. In the south it is more difficult to find, though not impossible. The flowering season of the columbine starts in April and covers the months of spring and summer. Their flowers are supported by an elongated bars; are blue, although its tone is very variable, and may even become white. They are composed of five petals that are in the shape of RAM, and five sepals similar in appearance to the petals. The stamens are very abundant and are free with each other. The fruit is composed of five parts that open in its hinterland when mature. It is difficult to find two equal Aquilegia because of the wide variety of colors and sizes available. Of this plant are harvested flowers, leaves and seeds.

At first it was thought to contain alkaloids, a fact that was not strange because the Ranunculáceas are characterized by producing numerous alkaloids and other substances that act in a very violent on the human body. However, this theory was rejected later. What it does contain the flowers and leaves is Nitrile glucoside in small quantities, which decompose to produce hydrogen cyanide. This substance is also found in seeds, which also contain fat.

In this plant have been ascribed since ancient times many virtues: it was used in medicine for their diuretic qualities, and sudorific desiccant, among others, also was used to facilitate deliveries. The children were administered when suffering from measles or smallpox. He was also widely accepted use of the columbine to avoid the much - feared croup. In England the columbine was used to heal the burning of mouth and throat. It also was used frequently in the form of syrup to cure hot flashes. Anyway, now practically not used only as ornamental plants. Several authors have located this plant, like many others of his family, within the toxic species. It is therefore not advisable to use the medicine at home columbine.

Toxic. Antipyretic. Astringent.

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