Oenothera

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Evening primroses)

Oenothera is a genus of about 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. It is the type genus of the family Onagraceae. Common names include evening primrose, suncups, and sundrops. They are not closely related to the true primroses (Primula).

Description[edit | edit source]

The species vary in size from small alpine plants 10 centimeters tall, such as Oenothera caespitosa, to vigorous lowland species growing to 3 meters, such as Oenothera stubbei. The leaves form a basal rosette at ground level and spiral up to the flowering stems. The blades are dentate or deeply lobed (pinnatifid). The flowers of many species open in the evening, hence the name "evening primrose". They may open in under a minute. Most species have yellow flowers, but some have white, purple, pink, or red. Most native desert species are white.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The classification of the Oenothera has been controversial. The system used here is mainly based on the 1999 classification by Dietrich, Wagner, and Raven. Some species (notably Oenothera caespitosa) are sometimes segregated from Oenothera into other genera, such as Camissonia, but this is not widely accepted.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Oenothera species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. The flower nectar is also a food source for hummingbirds. The seeds of the Oenothera biennis are rich in oil and have been investigated for food and medicinal purposes.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External links[edit | edit source]

Oenothera Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD