Agrostemma githago

Agrostemma githago is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, commonly known as corncockle. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but has been introduced to North America and Australia.

Description

Agrostemma githago is an annual plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are lanceolate and opposite, and the flowers are large, up to 5 cm in diameter, with five pink to purple petals. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous black seeds.

Habitat and distribution

Agrostemma githago is a plant of arable land, particularly wheat fields, but it has declined drastically with the intensification of agriculture and the use of herbicides. It is now considered rare in its native range. However, it has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America and Australia.

Uses

Historically, Agrostemma githago was used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin diseases and wounds. However, it is now known that the plant is toxic and can cause digestive problems if ingested.

Conservation

Due to its decline in Europe, Agrostemma githago is listed as a priority species in several countries, and conservation efforts are being made to protect and reintroduce it into its former habitats.

See also

• List of Agrostemma species
• Caryophyllaceae
• Conservation status

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