Symphytum × uplandicum
Symphytum × uplandicum | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Boraginales |
Family: | Boraginaceae |
Genus: | Symphytum |
Species: | S. × uplandicum
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Binomial name | |
Symphytum × uplandicum |
Russian comfrey or Quaker comfrey (Symphytum × uplandicum, syn. S. peregrinum auct.) is a common hybrid between Symphytum officinale and S. asperum. It represents the economically most important kind of comfrey.
It occurs naturally in Caucasus region where it grows in waste areas and disturbed soils.[1] It has been introduced as a crop in many places around the world.[2] and is widespread in the British Isles and interbreeds with S. officinale.
Description
It grows as a perennial herb. It grows to heights of up to 2 meters (6'). Above ground the plant is hairy, but not spiny. Its root system has a pronounced, deep-reaching taproot. Along the erect, branched stems grow large simple, mostly stalked leaves. On the lower stem they are arranged in an alternate pattern. In the upper parts they may be opposite and are stalkless, shortly decurrent, or more or less fused around the stem. The leaf blade is up to 25 centimeters (10") long[3] and never cordate. There are no stipules.
The flowering period is from May to August.[3] The inflorescences are forked cymes. It does not have bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are radially symmetrical with five-
Similar species
Symphytum officinale has decurrent leaf bases, winged stem internodes, and seeds with shiny black surfaces.[4]
Taxonomy
Symphytum uplandicum is an interspecific hybrid between Symphytum asperum and Symphytum officinale. It is itself parent to the multiple-cross hybrids Symphytum × hidcotense P. D. Sell: (together with Symphytum grandiflorum DC.) and Symphytum × perringianum P. H. Oswald & P. D. Sell (together with Symphytum orientale L.). The
Uses
Its hybrid vigour (→yield potential) makes Russian comfrey the preferred Symphytum crop. After two years of establishment, the robust and easy perennial crop enables highest protein yields. In addition to medicinal, horticultural and ornamental use, it is also known as animal food and even for human consumption. However, concerns about possible liver damage due to prolonged uptake of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids contained in the plant have been a cause for restraint in its use for some time, especially in food use (the "comfrey crisis"). Since around the year 2000, there are even international bans on products containing comfrey.[7] Since 2008, an alkaloid-free variety has been known.
Notable cultivated varieties are "Bocking No. 4" and "Bocking No. 14" from the English
The plant is also a good nectar source.
Several ornamental varieties exist, e.g. with variegated leaves or different flower colours.[9]
Medicinal uses
The plant parts of Russian comfrey are used for medicinal purposes (mainly because of the allantoin content). They are made into a salve that accelerates wound healing[10] and relieves muscle and joint pain, among other things.[11]
Garden uses
The plants are soil-tolerant heavy feeders with high biomass production. The protein- and therefore nitrogen-rich leaves are valued as a high-quality fertiliser. They are used, for example, for making a fermented liquid fertiliser or as mulch. As the plant can accept rather aggressive raw manure in larger amounts, it can be used to convert it into a more amenable fertiliser. The deep root system loosens the soil and accesses nutrients from greater depths, transporting them to higher soil layers via decaying plant matter.
Cultivation history
Sources
- ISBN 978-0-571-28091-9.
- Bogumil Pawłowski: Symphytum. In: Flora Europaea. 2010. pp. 103–104. ISBN 978-0-521-15368-3.
- ^ https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a832
- ^ a b https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:120843-1
- ^ a b David Janßen. "Futter-Beinwell". Flora Emslandia – Pflanzen im Emsland (Symphytum × uplandicum) (in German). Retrieved 2012-02-21.
- ^ a b https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/eflora/eflora_keys.php?key=8767
- ^ "Symphytum ×uplandicum". Tropicos. Missouri Botanical Garden. 4000088.
- ^ "Symphytum ×uplandicum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
- ^ "FDA/CFSAN – FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market". Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 2007-06-01.
- ^ Schmidt(?), 2008: High-performance cultivar ’Harras’ as a contribution to quality, efficacy and safety of comfrey (Symphytum × uplandicum Nyman), in: Zeitschrift für Arznei- & Gewürzpflanzen (journal of medicinal and spice plants), Erling Verlag
- ^ https://fichas.infojardin.com/variedades/s/symphytum.htm
- ISSN 1563-258X
- ^ "Trauma-Beinwell (lat. Symphytum x uplandicum Nyman)". ratgeber heilpflanzen medizin.de (in German). Retrieved 2012-02-22.