Dictamnus albus

Dictamnus albus LC0401

Illustration Dictamnus albus0

Dictamnus albus

Blüten der Dictamnus albus

Rutaceae - DIctamnus albus

Dictamnus albus 003

Dictamnus albus, commonly known as burning bush, dittany, gas plant, or fraxinella, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. It is native to warm, open woodland habitats in southern Europe, north Africa, and much of Asia.

Description

Dictamnus albus is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 40–100 cm. The plant has a woody base and produces erect, branching stems. The leaves are pinnate, with 7-11 leaflets, and are aromatic when crushed. The flowers are showy, with five petals, and can be white, pink, or purple, often with darker veins. The plant produces a distinctive, strong lemon-like scent.

Habitat and Distribution

Dictamnus albus is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, scrublands, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in calcareous soils. The species is distributed across southern Europe, parts of north Africa, and much of Asia, extending as far east as China.

Ecology

The plant is known for its ability to produce a flammable oil that can be ignited on hot days, giving rise to the common name "burning bush." This oil is produced by glands on the leaves, stems, and seed pods. Despite this, the plant is not harmed by the flames. Dictamnus albus is pollinated by insects, particularly bees, which are attracted to its fragrant flowers.

Uses

Dictamnus albus has been used in traditional medicine for its purported therapeutic properties. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, fever, and skin conditions. However, the plant contains several toxic compounds, and its use should be approached with caution.

Cultivation

Dictamnus albus is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and can be propagated by seed or division. Care should be taken when handling the plant, as contact with the oil can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Related Pages

• Rutaceae
• Perennial plant
• Traditional medicine
• Pollination
• Ornamental plant