seeds of Rosa canina, Dog Rose

Rosa canina, also called dog rose, is a plant species belonging to the family Rosaceae. The plant’s synonyms include Rosa actinodroma, Rosa acanthina, and Rosa amansii. Other common names for the plant include common briar and briar rose. The plant has its origins in Northwestern Africa, the Canary Islands, India, the Madeira Islands and most of Europe. Naturalisation led to its introduction in Australia, USA, New Zealand, and Canada. Rosa canina is a deciduous shrub that can grow to a height of 1 to 5 metres. The plant, can, however, reach the crests of trees by means of prickles distributed all over its stem. The leaves are pinnate and comprise between 5 and 7 leaflets. Flowers are pale pink and have a diameter of 4 to 6 cm. Fertilisation of the flowers leads to the formation of an ovular, orange-red fruit. Rosa canina has edible seeds, fruits, and flowers. One can use the fruit to make syrups and jams, cook it or eat it raw. Alternatively, the fruit could be dried and used to make tea. The syrup is a highly nutritious supplement and is often fed to babies. One should make sure to remove the seed hairs before cooking the seeds given they’re toxic. The seeds contain plenty of vitamin E. One way of consuming the seeds involves grinding them into a powder before adding it to flour or sprinkling it on food. The Chinese consider the flower petals an irresistible delicacy and even go a step further by using them to make jam. Rosa canina also has a number of medicinal uses. The plant supposedly has diuretic, tonic, cancer-fighting, laxative and anti-rheumatic properties. Given such qualities, many believe remedies from the plant can treat diarrhoea, influenza, scurvy and gastritis. The plant takes over 1545 days to grow, mature and be ready for harvest.