Heracleum wallichii, Himalaya Bärenklau Samen, Heilpflanze

seeds of Heracleum wallichii

 

 

Heracleum wallichii is a flowering plant commonly referred to as Cow parsnip, and whose life span does not go beyond three years. It belongs to the parsley family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae and genus Heracleum. Heracleum wallichii is favoured by the northern hemisphere temperatures and those of high mountains. Cow parsnip grows as a shrub to a maximum height of 15 inches tall. Heracleum wallichii plant is usually more of a flower than a tree.

Cow parsnip is most popular as an aphrodisiac that has hairy foliage and white flowers. The leaves of Heracleum wallichii are ever green, have a thickness of about 3inches and are held together in a brown calyx. The leaves of Cow parsnip are often affected by the insects who mine the leaves in the cold seasons. The plant has good growth in well moist soil. Heracleum wallichii flowers ones during its lifecycle and becomes dormant during the dry and cold seasons of the year. The seeds bored in the previous lifecycle survive the dry and cold seasons and begins to grow again when the conditions are suitable. They are majorly dispersed by wind. Because the plants do not grow tall, their roots are protected on the ground against any wildfire.

Heracleum wallichii plant is hermaphrodite, which means it has both the female and male organs. The plant fertilises itself through pollination that is done by the insects. The white flowers of the plant produce nectar and sweet scent that attracts insects. The seed is produced when the reproduction period is over.

Cow parsnip is popularly known to have medicinal properties. The specific diseases treated with the plant’s extracts include rashes related ton shingles and running sores. Few people are reported to eat this plant at its younger age of growth. The stem is cut in pieces and boiled with salt added then served with butter. Contrary to this, the plant is said to be poisonous and can cause serious health issues and should only be handled with those who have its knowledge. The plant, however, has scarce information which cannot be so reliable when it comes to its use. As much as it is considered medicinal, it is at the same time poisonous and this seems conflicting. Nevertheless, its nectar and sweet smell are enjoyed by the insects. The plant is not widely known and is often treated as a weed.