Differences

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--- brussels_plants [2008-10-14 14:24] – lina
+++ brussels_plants [2008-10-14 14:43] – lina
@@ Line 31: / Line 31: @@
    * Plantago major(Broad-Leaved Plantain)
    * Buddleja Davidii (Butterfly Bush)
-   * Pissenlit officinal or Taraxacum officinale(Dandelion)
+===== Pissenlit officinal or Taraxacum officinale(Dandelion) =====
-   * Crepis tectorum (Narrow-Leaved Hawk's-Beard)
+{{:dandel08-l.jpg?200}}{{:img_8892.jpg?300}}
+There is some doubt, however, as to whether it was really the shape of the leaves that provided the original notion, as there is really no similarity between them, but the leaves may perhaps be said to
+resemble the angular jaw of a lion fully supplied with teeth. Some authorities have suggested that the yellow flowers might be compared to the golden teeth of the heraldic lion, while others say that the
+whiteness of the root is the feature which provides the resemblance. Flückiger and Hanbury in Pharmacographia, say that the name was conferred by Wilhelm, a surgeon, who was so much impressed by the virtues of the plant that he likened it to Dens leonis.
+In the Ortus Sanitatis, 1485, under 'Dens Leonis,' there is a monograph of half a page which concludes:'The Herb was much employed by Master Wilhelmus, a surgeon, who on account of its virtues, likened it to "eynem lewen zan, genannt zu latin Dens leonis" (a lion's tooth, called in Latin Dens leonis).'
+In the pictures of the old herbals, for instance, the one in Brunfels' Contrafayt Kreuterbuch, 1532, the leaves very much resemble a lion's tooth. The root is not illustrated at all in the old herbals, as only the herb was used at that time.
+The name of the genus, Taraxacum, is derived from the Greek taraxos (disorder), and akos (remedy), on account of the curative action of the plant. A possible alternative derivation of Taraxacum is suggested in The Treasury of Botany:'The generic name is possibly derived from the Greek taraxo ("I have excited" or "caused") and achos (pain), in allusion to the medicinal effects of the plant.'
+Many little flies also are to be found visiting the Dandelion to drink the lavishly-supplied nectar. By carefully watching, it has been ascertained that no less than ninety-three different kinds of insects are in the habit of frequenting it.
+The stigma grows up through the tube formed by the anthers, pushing the pollen before it, and insects smearing themselves with this pollen carry it to the stigmas of other flowers already expanded, thus insuring cross-fertilization.
+At the base of each flower-head is a ring of narrow, green bracts the involucre. Some of these stand up to support the florets, others hang down to form a barricade against such small insects as might crawl up the stem and injure
+the bloom without taking a share in its fertilization, as the winged insects do.
+---History---
+The first mention of the Dandelion as a medicine is in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries, who speak of it as a sort of wild Endive, under the name of Taraxcacon.
+In this country, we find allusion to it in the Welsh medicines of the thirteenth century. Dandelion was much valued as a medicine in the times of Gerard and Parkinson, and is still extensively employed.
+Dandelion roots have long been largely used on the Continent, and the plant is cultivated largely in India as a remedy for liver complaints.
+http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/d/dandel08.html
+===== Crepis tectorum (Narrow-Leaved Hawk's-Beard) =====
+{{:illustration_crepis_tectorum0.jpg?200}}{{:2613535538_f56a7874ac.jpg?200}}
+Crepis(Crepis tectorum) is a genus of about 200 annual and perennial flowering plants found in the family Asteraceae resembling Dandelion, the main differences being that Hawksbeards have multiple flowers per plant as well as branching stems.
+The name Crepis derives from Greek, meaning 'shoe'. In some parts of the world the genus is known as Hawksbeard.
+Species can be found all through the northern hemisphere and tropical Africa.
+Crepis species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Broad-barred White.
+http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crepis
    * Conyza canadensis
    * Galinsoga ciliata