Linnea

Linnea borealis

HONEYSUCKLE PLANTS

Caprifoliaceae

Linnea is a semi-shrub with thin, creeping, Ligneous branches or splits, often several feet long. The bell-shaped, fragrant flowers are in pairs on upright shoots. Linnea occur in the colder parts of Europe, Asia and North America - the scientific species name Borealis means northerly. The family name was created as a tribute to Linnaeus by the Dutch botanist Gronovius, Linnaeus' contemporaries and patrons. The name was taken then by Linnaeus himself - Linnean was his favorite flower.

Many of the popular names of the plant indicates that it is in folk medicine has been used against joint problems of various kinds: benvärksgräs, gout grass, dry grass pain - Dry pain was an old word for gout. Linnaeus also recommended twinflower as a substitute for tea, then "its round leaves give a good flavor and associated clean up the blood in front of other plants, so still no safer means are against dry aches, gout and flux." In Norway, was used linnea previous external and internal to eczema, hives, shingles and other skin conditions especially in children. Nowadays seems linnea have come completely out of use.

Occurrence: Fairly general across the country. Grows in coniferous forests and on heaths and birch forest up to 1200 m.

Characteristics: A slender, creeping half bush. The Ligneous rotslående stalks can be more than the meter. From the stalk assumes up to 15 cm high up shots as the bottom bearing leaves and ends with a bunch of two sloping flowers. The leaves are in pairs, are oval and finely jagged. Flowers cut surface and darker inside (June-August). Crown femflikig, klocklik. Stamens four, two longer and two shorter, pin long with a head like the brand. Fruit nötlik, klibbhårig, initially three-room apartment, but only a OVULE develop into seeds. Flowers smell pleasant.

Using parts: Entire above ground portion of the plant, collected at flowering.

Content Topics: Tanning preparations, bitter substance.

Medical effects: Has previously been considered to be diuretic and''blood cleansing. "

Use: Has been used against rheumatic disorders and topically against scabies and eyes water. Now has no use in Scandinavia.