Lungwort

Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, native to Europe and western Asia, with one species east to central Asia. The scientific name Pulmonaria is derived from Latin pulmo (lung). In the times of sympathetic magic, the spotted oval leaves of Pulmonaria were thought to symbolize diseased, ulcerated lungs, and so were used to treat pulmonary infections. The common name in many languages also refers to lungs, as in English "lungwort" and German "Lungenkraut".

Description

Pulmonaria species are perennial herbaceous plants that grow from a rhizome. They have simple, leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are generally rough and hairy, and often are spotted with white. The flowers are arranged in a inflorescence that unrolls as they bloom. They have five petals and are often blue or purple, but can be pink or white.

Uses

Lungwort has been used in traditional medicine, particularly in the treatment of lung diseases, such as tuberculosis, asthma, and coughs. It has also been used as a food plant by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.

Species

There are between 10 and 18 species in the genus, depending on taxonomic interpretation. The following are some of the species recognized by the Flora Europaea and the Flora of China:

• Pulmonaria angustifolia
• Pulmonaria longifolia
• Pulmonaria obscura
• Pulmonaria officinalis
• Pulmonaria saccharata

External links

• Flora of North America: Pulmonaria
• Flora of China: Pulmonaria

Lungwort Resources
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