Circaea lutetiana

Circaea lutetiana, also known as Enchanter's Nightshade, is a species of flowering plant in the family Onagraceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is commonly found in shady, moist habitats.

Description

Circaea lutetiana is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are opposite, ovate, and have toothed margins. The flowers are small, white, and have two petals. The fruit is a small, round capsule containing numerous seeds.

Taxonomy

The genus name Circaea is derived from the Greek goddess Circe, who was known for her knowledge of herbs and magic. The species name lutetiana is derived from the Latin name for Paris, Lutetia, where the plant was first described.

Distribution and habitat

Circaea lutetiana is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. It prefers shady, moist habitats, and is often found in woodlands, hedgerows, and along stream banks.

Ecology

Circaea lutetiana is a host plant for several species of Lepidoptera, including the Engrailed, the Small Engrailed, and the Clouded Border. The seeds are dispersed by animals, which are attracted to the sticky coating on the seed capsules.

Uses

In traditional medicine, Circaea lutetiana has been used to treat skin conditions, such as warts and eczema. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these uses.

Conservation

While Circaea lutetiana is not currently considered threatened, its habitat is being lost due to deforestation and urban development. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its habitat and preventing further loss of population.

See also

• List of Circaea species
• Flora of Europe
• Flora of Asia
• Flora of North America

This flora-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.