Angelica

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Illustration Angelica silvestris0

Angelica atropurpurea Purple-stemmed Angelica

Angelica is a genus of about 60 species of tall biennial and perennial herbs in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, reaching as far north as Iceland, Lapland, and Greenland. They grow to 1–3 m tall, with large bipinnate leaves and large compound umbels of white or greenish-white flowers.

Description

Angelica species commonly have broad, segmented leaves and large, spherical umbels of flowers. The flowers are typically white or pale green, attracting a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, flies, and beetles. The fruits are oblong to oval and can be used as a spice or flavoring agent. Angelica plants are known for their distinctive, aromatic smell, which is pleasant and has been described as earthy or peppery.

Uses

Angelica species have been widely used in traditional medicine and as food. The roots, seeds, and sometimes the leaves and stems, are used in herbal medicine for their purported digestive, expectorant, and diuretic properties. Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica, is the species most widely used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Its roots and seeds are used in the preparation of liqueurs such as Chartreuse and Bénédictine, and it is also used in cooking, particularly in Scandinavian and East European cuisines.

In addition to its uses in food and medicine, angelica has been used in folk tradition for protection and healing. It was believed to ward off evil spirits and disease, and it was often grown in monastery gardens for this purpose.

Cultivation

Angelica prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil in a partially shaded location. It is generally propagated by seed, and due to its biennial nature, it needs to be replanted every few years to ensure a continuous supply. Angelica is relatively hardy but can be susceptible to fungal diseases and pests, such as aphids and leaf miners.

Species

Some notable species of Angelica include:

• Angelica archangelica – Garden angelica, the most widely cultivated species for culinary and medicinal use.
• Angelica sylvestris – Wild angelica, found in natural meadows and forests.
• Angelica atropurpurea – American angelica, native to North America.
• Angelica sinensis – Dong quai or female ginseng, used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Conservation

While many species of Angelica are common and not considered at risk, habitat destruction and overharvesting have led to a decline in some species. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the sustainability of wild populations, especially those species with limited distributions or those heavily harvested for traditional medicine.