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Spanish flag seeds (Lantana...

Spanish flag seeds (Lantana...

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<h2 class=""><strong>Spanish flag seeds (Lantana camara)</strong><br><span style="color: #f80000;"><strong>Price for Package of 10 seeds</strong></span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Lantana camara</b></i><span>&nbsp;</span>(<b>common lantana</b>) is a species of flowering plant within the<span>&nbsp;</span>verbena<span>&nbsp;</span>family (Verbenaceae), native to the American tropics.<sup id="cite_ref-florida_5-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><sup id="cite_ref-moyhill_6-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Other common names of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>include<span>&nbsp;</span><b>Spanish flag</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>big-sage</b><span>&nbsp;</span>(Malaysia),<span>&nbsp;</span><b>wild-sage</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>red-sage</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>white-sage</b><span>&nbsp;</span>(Caribbean),<span>&nbsp;</span><b>korsu wiri</b><span>&nbsp;</span>or<span>&nbsp;</span><b>korsoe wiwiri</b><span>&nbsp;</span>(Suriname),<span>&nbsp;</span><b>tickberry</b><span>&nbsp;</span>(South Africa),<sup id="cite_ref-Cronk_7-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[7]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span><b>West Indian lantana</b>,<sup id="cite_ref-plants_8-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[8]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span><b>umbelanterna</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>putus</b><span>&nbsp;</span>in Bengal and<span>&nbsp;</span><b>Gu Phool</b><span>&nbsp;</span>in Assam, India.</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">As an ornamental,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is often cultivated indoors, or in a conservatory, but can also thrive in a garden with sufficient shelter in cooler climates.<sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It has spread from its native Central and South America to around 50 countries,<sup id="cite_ref-Day_10-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>where it has become an<span>&nbsp;</span>invasive species.<sup id="cite_ref-Ghisalberti2000_11-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[11]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[12]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It first spread out of the Americas when it was brought to<span>&nbsp;</span>Europe<span>&nbsp;</span>by Dutch explorers and cultivated widely, soon spreading further into<span>&nbsp;</span>Asia<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>Oceania<span>&nbsp;</span>where it has established itself as a notorious weed, and in Goa it was introduced by the Portuguese.<sup id="cite_ref-Ghisalberti2000_11-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[11]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>can outcompete native species, leading to a reduction in<span>&nbsp;</span>biodiversity.<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[13]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It can also cause problems if it invades agricultural areas as a result of its toxicity to<span>&nbsp;</span>livestock, as well as its ability to form dense<span>&nbsp;</span>thickets<span>&nbsp;</span>which, if left unchecked, can greatly reduce the<span>&nbsp;</span>productivity<span>&nbsp;</span>of farmland.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Description">Description</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Lantana camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is a<span>&nbsp;</span>perennial, erect sprawling or<span>&nbsp;</span>scandent, shrub which typically grows to around 2 m tall and form dense thickets in a variety of environments. In the right conditions though, it can scramble up into trees and can grow to 6 metres tall.<span>&nbsp;</span>Due to extensive selective breeding throughout the 17th and 18th Centuries for use as an ornamental plant, there are now many different<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>cultivars.<sup id="cite_ref-GISD_4-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"><br></sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has small tubular shaped<span>&nbsp;</span>flowers, which each have four<span>&nbsp;</span>petals<span>&nbsp;</span>and are arranged in clusters in terminal areas<span>&nbsp;</span>stems. Flowers come in many different colours, including red, yellow, white, pink and orange, which differ depending on location in inflorescences, age, and maturity.<sup id="cite_ref-17" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[17]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The flower has a<span>&nbsp;</span>tutti frutti<span>&nbsp;</span>smell with a peppery undertone. After<span>&nbsp;</span>pollination<span>&nbsp;</span>occurs, the colour of the flowers changes (typically from yellow to orangish, pinkish, or reddish); this is believed to be a signal to<span>&nbsp;</span>pollinators<span>&nbsp;</span>that the pre-change colour contains a reward as well as being sexually viable, thus increasing pollination efficiency.<sup id="cite_ref-18" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[18]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The leaves are broadly ovate, opposite, and simple and have a strong odour when crushed.<sup id="cite_ref-19" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[19]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The fruit of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is a berry-like drupe which turns from green to dark purple when mature. Green unripe fruits are inedible to humans and animals alike. Because of dense patches of hard spikes on their rind, ingestion of them can result in serious damage to the digestive tract. Both<span>&nbsp;</span>vegetative<span>&nbsp;</span>(asexual) and<span>&nbsp;</span>seed<span>&nbsp;</span>reproduction occur. Up to 12,000<span>&nbsp;</span>fruits<span>&nbsp;</span>can be produced by each plant<sup id="cite_ref-20" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[20]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>which are then eaten by birds and other animals which can spread the seeds over large distances, facilitating the spread of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i>.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Distribution">Distribution</span></h2> <span style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The native range of<span>&nbsp;</span></span><i style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Lantana camara</i><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><span>&nbsp;</span>is Central and South America; however, it has become naturalised in around 60 tropical and sub-tropical countries worldwide.</span><sup id="cite_ref-feppc2_21-0" class="reference" style="color: #202122; font-size: 11.2px;">[21]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-22" class="reference" style="color: #202122; font-size: 11.2px;">[22]</sup><span style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><span>&nbsp;</span>It is found frequently in east and southern Africa, where it occurs at altitudes below 2000 m, and often invades previously disturbed areas such as<span>&nbsp;</span></span>logged<span style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><span>&nbsp;</span>forests and areas cleared for agriculture.</span><br> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has also colonized areas of Africa, Southern Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, and also the Middle East, India, tropical Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the US, as well as many Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean islands.<sup id="cite_ref-24" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[24]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-Thaman_25-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[25]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It has become a significant weed in Sri Lanka after escaping from the<span>&nbsp;</span>Royal Botanic gardens<span>&nbsp;</span>in 1926.<sup id="cite_ref-fao_26-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[26]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-27" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[27]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">It was introduced into the Philippines from Hawaii as part of an exchange program between the United States and the Philippines; however, it managed to escape and has become naturalized in the islands.<sup id="cite_ref-28" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[28]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It has also been introduced to the whole southern US, from<span>&nbsp;</span>California<span>&nbsp;</span>to<span>&nbsp;</span>North Carolina,<sup id="cite_ref-plants.usda.gov_29-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[29]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and is considered hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.<sup id="cite_ref-30" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[30]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The range of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is still increasing, shown by the fact that it has invaded many islands on which it was not present in 1974, including the<span>&nbsp;</span>Galapagos Islands,<span>&nbsp;</span>Saipan<span>&nbsp;</span>and the<span>&nbsp;</span>Solomon Islands.<sup id="cite_ref-Thaman_25-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[25]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>There is also evidence that<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is still increasing its range in areas where it has been established for many years, such as East Africa, Australia and New Zealand.<sup id="cite_ref-Day_10-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The ability of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>to rapidly colonise areas of land which have been disturbed has allowed it to proliferate in countries where activities such as logging, clearance for agriculture and<span>&nbsp;</span>forest fires<span>&nbsp;</span>are common. In contrast, in countries with large areas of intact primary forest, the distribution of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has been limited.</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Habitat">Habitat</span></h3> <div class="thumb tright" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <div class="thumbinner" style="font-size: 13.16px;"><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Lantana_camara-Silent_Valley-2016-08-14-001.jpg/220px-Lantana_camara-Silent_Valley-2016-08-14-001.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="147" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Lantana_camara-Silent_Valley-2016-08-14-001.jpg/330px-Lantana_camara-Silent_Valley-2016-08-14-001.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Lantana_camara-Silent_Valley-2016-08-14-001.jpg/440px-Lantana_camara-Silent_Valley-2016-08-14-001.jpg 2x" data-file-width="6000" data-file-height="4000"> <div class="thumbcaption" style="font-size: 12.3704px;"> <div class="magnify"></div> <i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>in<span>&nbsp;</span>Silent Valley National Park,<span>&nbsp;</span>Kerala,<span>&nbsp;</span>India</div> </div> </div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Lantana camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is found in a variety of environments, including:</p> <ul style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <li>Agricultural areas</li> <li>Forest margins and gaps</li> <li>Riparian<span>&nbsp;</span>zones</li> <li>Grasslands</li> <li>Secondary forest, and</li> <li>Beach fronts.</li> </ul> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is rarely found in natural or semi-natural areas of forest, as it is unable to compete with taller trees due to its lack of tolerance for shade. Instead, it grows at the forest edge.<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>can survive in a wide range of climatic conditions, including<span>&nbsp;</span>drought, different soil types, heat, humidity, and salt. It is also relatively fired tolerant and can quickly establish itself in recently burnt areas of forest.</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Invasive_species">Invasive species</span></h3> <div class="thumb tright" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <div class="thumbinner" style="font-size: 13.16px;"><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Lantana_camara_tree.jpg/220px-Lantana_camara_tree.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="316" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Lantana_camara_tree.jpg/330px-Lantana_camara_tree.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Lantana_camara_tree.jpg/440px-Lantana_camara_tree.jpg 2x" data-file-width="891" data-file-height="1279"> <div class="thumbcaption" style="font-size: 12.3704px;"> <div class="magnify"></div> 6 metre tall<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>shrubs infesting a native woodland area in<span>&nbsp;</span>Sydney.</div> </div> </div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is considered to be a weed in large areas of the<span>&nbsp;</span>Paleotropics<span>&nbsp;</span>where it has established itself. In agricultural areas or secondary forests it can become the dominant understorey shrub, crowding out other native species and reducing biodiversity.<sup id="cite_ref-Cronk_7-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[7]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The formation of dense thickets of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>can significantly slow down the regeneration of forests by preventing the growth of new trees.<sup id="cite_ref-GISD_4-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In the US,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is considered invasive in tropical areas such as<span>&nbsp;</span>Florida<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>Hawaii.<sup id="cite_ref-plants.usda.gov_29-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[29]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Although<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is itself quite resistant to fire, it can change fire patterns in a forest<span>&nbsp;</span>ecosystem<span>&nbsp;</span>by altering the fuel load, causing a buildup of forest fuel, which itself increases the risk of fires spreading to the<span>&nbsp;</span>canopy.<sup id="cite_ref-33" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[33]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>This can be particularly destructive in dry, arid areas where fire can spread quickly and lead to the loss of large areas of natural ecosystem.</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>reduces the productivity in pasture through the formation of dense thickets, which reduce growth of crops as well as make harvesting more difficult. There are also secondary impacts, including the finding that in Africa,<span>&nbsp;</span>mosquitos<span>&nbsp;</span>which transmit<span>&nbsp;</span>malaria<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>tsetse<span>&nbsp;</span>flies shelter within the bushes of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i>.<sup id="cite_ref-34" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[34]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Even though<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is considered invasive to the<span>&nbsp;</span>Western Ghats, the plant does not seem to impact biodiversity in the region; rather it tends to simply occupy the same moist regions as other species.<sup id="cite_ref-35" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[35]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">There are many reasons why<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has been so successful as an invasive species; however, the primary factors which have allowed it to establish itself are:</p> <ol style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <li>Wide dispersal range made possible by birds and other animals that eat its drupes</li> <li>Less prone to being eaten by animals due to toxicity</li> <li>Tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions<sup id="cite_ref-Cronk_7-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[7]</sup></li> <li>Increase in logging and habitat modification, which has been beneficial to<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>as it prefers disturbed habitats</li> <li>Production of toxic chemicals which inhibit competing plant species</li> <li>Extremely high seed production (12,000 seeds from each plant per year)<sup id="cite_ref-36" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[36]</sup></li> </ol> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Toxicity">Toxicity</span></h3> <div class="thumb tleft" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <div class="thumbinner" style="font-size: 13.16px;"><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Lantana_camara_%2855%29.jpg/220px-Lantana_camara_%2855%29.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="146" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Lantana_camara_%2855%29.jpg/330px-Lantana_camara_%2855%29.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Lantana_camara_%2855%29.jpg/440px-Lantana_camara_%2855%29.jpg 2x" data-file-width="600" data-file-height="399"> <div class="thumbcaption" style="font-size: 12.3704px;"> <div class="magnify"></div> <i>L. camara</i></div> </div> </div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Lantana camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is known to be toxic to livestock such as cattle, sheep, horses, dogs and goats.<sup id="cite_ref-37" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[37]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-38" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[38]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The active substances causing toxicity in grazing animals are<span>&nbsp;</span>pentacyclic<span>&nbsp;</span>triterpenoids, which result in liver damage and photosensitivity.<sup id="cite_ref-39" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[39]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>also excretes<span>&nbsp;</span>allelopathic<span>&nbsp;</span>chemicals, which reduce the growth of surrounding plants by inhibiting<span>&nbsp;</span>germination<span>&nbsp;</span>and root elongation.<sup id="cite_ref-40" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[40]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The toxicity of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>to humans is undetermined, with several studies suggesting that ingesting berries can be toxic to humans, such as a study by O P Sharma which states "Green unripe fruits of the plant are toxic to humans".<sup id="cite_ref-41" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[41]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>NC State's Extension Gardener website states that ingestion of the flowers, fruits, and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and liver failure, while the leaves can cause contact dermatitis.<sup id="cite_ref-42" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[42]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>However, other studies have found evidence which suggests that<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>fruit poses no risk to humans when eaten, and is in fact edible when ripe.<sup id="cite_ref-43" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[43]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-44" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[44]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Management_and_control">Management and control</span></h2> <div class="thumb tright" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <div class="thumbinner" style="font-size: 13.16px;"><img alt="Butterfly feeding on Lantana camara" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Graphium_sarpedon_WQXGA.jpg/220px-Graphium_sarpedon_WQXGA.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="138" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Graphium_sarpedon_WQXGA.jpg/330px-Graphium_sarpedon_WQXGA.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Graphium_sarpedon_WQXGA.jpg/440px-Graphium_sarpedon_WQXGA.jpg 2x" data-file-width="2560" data-file-height="1600"> <div class="thumbcaption" style="font-size: 12.3704px;"> <div class="magnify"></div> Butterfly feeding on<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i></div> </div> </div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Effective management of invasive<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>in the long term will require a reduction in activities that create degraded habitats. Maintaining functioning (healthy) ecosystems is key to preventing invasive species from establishing themselves and out-competing native<span>&nbsp;</span>fauna<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>flora.</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Biological">Biological</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Insects and other<span>&nbsp;</span>biocontrol<span>&nbsp;</span>agents have been implemented with varying degrees of success in an attempt to control<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i>. It was the first weed ever subjected to biological control; however, none of the programs have been successful despite 36 control agents being used across 33 regions.<sup id="cite_ref-Management_Information_45-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[45]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The lack of success using biological control in this case is most likely due to the many<span>&nbsp;</span>hybrid<span>&nbsp;</span>forms of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i>, as well as its large<span>&nbsp;</span>genetic diversity<span>&nbsp;</span>which makes it difficult for the control agents to target all plants effectively. A recent study in India has shown some results around biological control of this plant using tingid bugs.<sup id="cite_ref-46" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[46]</sup></p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Mechanical">Mechanical</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Mechanical control of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>involves physically removing the plants. Physical removal can be effective but is labor-intensive and expensive,<span>&nbsp;</span>therefore removal is usually only appropriate in small areas or at the early stages of an infestation. Another method of mechanical control is to use fire treatment, followed by revegetation with native species.</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Chemical">Chemical</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Using herbicides to manage<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is very effective but also expensive, prohibiting its use in many poorer countries where<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is well established. The most effective way of chemically treating plant species is to first mow the area, then spray the area with a<span>&nbsp;</span>weed-killer, although this may have serious environmental consequences.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Uses">Uses</span></h2> <div class="thumb tright" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <div class="thumbinner" style="font-size: 13.16px;"><img alt="Butterfly resting on L. camara" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Butterfly_on_Lantana_-_Flickr_-_Andrea_Westmoreland.jpg/220px-Butterfly_on_Lantana_-_Flickr_-_Andrea_Westmoreland.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="156" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Butterfly_on_Lantana_-_Flickr_-_Andrea_Westmoreland.jpg/330px-Butterfly_on_Lantana_-_Flickr_-_Andrea_Westmoreland.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/Butterfly_on_Lantana_-_Flickr_-_Andrea_Westmoreland.jpg/440px-Butterfly_on_Lantana_-_Flickr_-_Andrea_Westmoreland.jpg 2x" data-file-width="5098" data-file-height="3618"> <div class="thumbcaption" style="font-size: 12.3704px;"> <div class="magnify"></div> Butterfly resting on<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i></div> </div> </div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Lantana camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>stalks have been used in the construction of furniture, such as chairs and tables;<span>&nbsp;</span>however, the main uses have historically been medicinal and ornamental.</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Medicinal_value">Medicinal value</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Studies conducted in India have found that<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Lantana</i><span>&nbsp;</span>leaves can display<span>&nbsp;</span>antimicrobial,<span>&nbsp;</span>fungicidal,<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>insecticidal<span>&nbsp;</span>properties.<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has also been used in traditional herbal medicines for treating a variety of ailments, including<span>&nbsp;</span>cancer, skin itches,<span>&nbsp;</span>leprosy,<span>&nbsp;</span>chickenpox,<span>&nbsp;</span>measles,<span>&nbsp;</span>asthma,<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>ulcers.<sup id="cite_ref-GISD_4-4" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>extract has been shown to reduce gastric<span>&nbsp;</span>ulcer<span>&nbsp;</span>development in rats.<sup id="cite_ref-49" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[49]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Extracts from the plant have also been used in Brazil to treat respiratory infections.<sup id="cite_ref-50" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[50]</sup></p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Ornamental">Ornamental</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Lantana camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has been grown specifically for use as an ornamental plant since Dutch explorers first brought it to Europe from the New World.<sup id="cite_ref-GISD_4-5" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Its ability to last for a relatively long time without water, and the fact that it does not have many pests or diseases which affect it, have contributed to it becoming a common ornamental plant.<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>also attracts butterflies and birds and is frequently used in butterfly gardens.<sup id="cite_ref-florida_5-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[5]</sup></p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="As_a_host-plant">As a host-plant</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Many butterfly species feed on the nectar of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara.</i><span>&nbsp;</span><i>Papilio homerus</i>, the largest butterfly in the western hemisphere, is known to feed on the nectar of the flowers as an opportunistic flower feeder.<sup id="cite_ref-51" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[51]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>A jumping spider<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Evarcha culicivora</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has an association with<span>&nbsp;</span><i>L. camara</i>. They consume the nectar for food and preferentially use these plants as a location for courtship.<sup id="cite_ref-:2_52-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[52]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Etymology">Etymology</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The name<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Lantana</i><span>&nbsp;</span>derives from the<span>&nbsp;</span>Latin<span>&nbsp;</span>name of the wayfaring tree<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Viburnum lantana</i>, the flowers of which closely resemble<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Lantana</i>.<sup id="cite_ref-Ghisalberti2000_11-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[11]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-gledhill_53-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[53]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Camara</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is derived from<span>&nbsp;</span>Greek, meaning ‘arched’, ‘chambered’, or ‘vaulted’.</p> <br> <script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
MHS 59 (10 S)
Spanish flag seeds (Lantana camara)
Physic nut, Barbados nut...

Physic nut, Barbados nut...

Price €3.75 (SKU: T 92)
,
5/ 5
<h2><strong>Physic nut, Barbados nut Seeds (Jatropha curcas)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0a0a;"><strong>Price for a Package of 3 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Jatropha curcas</b></i><span>&nbsp;</span>is a species of<span>&nbsp;</span>flowering plant<span>&nbsp;</span>in the<span>&nbsp;</span>spurge<span>&nbsp;</span>family,<span>&nbsp;</span>Euphorbiaceae, that is native to the<span>&nbsp;</span>American tropics, most likely<span>&nbsp;</span>Mexico<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>Central America.<sup id="cite_ref-Janick_2-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is originally native to the tropical areas of the Americas from Mexico to Argentina, and has been spread throughout the world in tropical and<span>&nbsp;</span>subtropical<span>&nbsp;</span>regions<span>&nbsp;</span>around the world, becoming<span>&nbsp;</span>naturalized or invasive<span>&nbsp;</span>in many areas.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_3-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[3]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The<span>&nbsp;</span>specific epithet,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>"curcas"</i>, was first used by<span>&nbsp;</span>Portuguese<span>&nbsp;</span>doctor<span>&nbsp;</span>Garcia de Orta<span>&nbsp;</span>more than 400 years ago.<sup id="cite_ref-Agroforest_4-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Common names in English include<span>&nbsp;</span><b>physic nut</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>Barbados nut</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>poison nut</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>bubble bush</b><span>&nbsp;</span>or<span>&nbsp;</span><b>purging nut</b>.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_3-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[3]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>In parts of Africa and areas in Asia such as India it is often known as "castor oil plant" or "hedge castor oil plant",<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_3-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[3]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>but it is not the same as the usual<span>&nbsp;</span>castor oil plant,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Ricinus communis</i><span>&nbsp;</span>(they are in the same family but different subfamilies).</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>J. curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is a semi-evergreen<span>&nbsp;</span>shrub<span>&nbsp;</span>or small<span>&nbsp;</span>tree, reaching a height of 6&nbsp;m (20&nbsp;ft) or more.<sup id="cite_ref-Janick_2-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is resistant to a high degree of<span>&nbsp;</span>aridity, allowing it to grow in<span>&nbsp;</span>deserts.<sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[5]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[6]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It contains<span>&nbsp;</span>phorbol esters, which are considered toxic.<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[7]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>However, edible (non-toxic) provenances native to Mexico also exist, known by the local population as piñón manso, xuta, chuta, aishte, among others.<sup id="cite_ref-Martínez-Herrera,_J._2010_8-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[8]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-valdez2013_9-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span><i>J. curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>also contains compounds such as<span>&nbsp;</span>trypsin inhibitors,<span>&nbsp;</span>phytate,<span>&nbsp;</span>saponins<span>&nbsp;</span>and a type of<span>&nbsp;</span>lectin<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[11]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>known as curcin.<sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[12]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The<span>&nbsp;</span>seeds<span>&nbsp;</span>contain 27–40%<span>&nbsp;</span>oil<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[13]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>(average: 34.4%<sup id="cite_ref-14" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[14]</sup>) that can be processed to produce a high-quality<span>&nbsp;</span>biodiesel<span>&nbsp;</span>fuel, usable in a standard<span>&nbsp;</span>diesel engine. Edible (non-toxic) varieties can be used for<span>&nbsp;</span>animal feed<span>&nbsp;</span>and food.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Botanical_features">Botanical features</span></h2> <ul> <li>Leaves: The leaves have significant variability in their morphology. In general, the leaves are green to pale green, alternate to subopposite, and three- to five-lobed with a<span>&nbsp;</span>spiral phyllotaxis.<sup id="cite_ref-Nahar_16-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[16]</sup></li> <li>Flowers: male and female flowers are produced on the same<span>&nbsp;</span>inflorescence, averaging 20 male flowers to each female flower,<sup id="cite_ref-Pesquisa_17-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[17]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>or 10 male flowers to each female flower.<sup id="cite_ref-Jatropha_journal_18-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[18]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The inflorescence can be formed in the<span>&nbsp;</span>leaf axil. Plants occasionally present hermaphroditic flowers.<sup id="cite_ref-Nahar_16-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[16]</sup></li> <li>Fruits&nbsp;: fruits are produced in winter, or there may be several crops during the year if soil moisture is good and temperatures are sufficiently high. Most fruit production is concentrated from midsummer to late fall with variations in production peaks where some plants have two or three harvests and some produce continuously through the season.<sup id="cite_ref-Nahar_16-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[16]</sup></li> <li>Seeds: the seeds are mature when the capsule changes from green to yellow. The seeds contain around 20% saturated fatty acids and 80% unsaturated fatty acids, and they yield 25–40% oil by weight. In addition, the seeds contain other chemical compounds, such as<span>&nbsp;</span>saccharose,<span>&nbsp;</span>raffinose,<span>&nbsp;</span>stachyose,<span>&nbsp;</span>glucose,<span>&nbsp;</span>fructose,<span>&nbsp;</span>galactose, and<span>&nbsp;</span>protein. The oil is largely made up of oleic and<span>&nbsp;</span>linoleic<span>&nbsp;</span>acids. Furthermore, the plant also contains curcasin, arachidic,<span>&nbsp;</span>myristic,<span>&nbsp;</span>palmitic, and<span>&nbsp;</span>stearic<span>&nbsp;</span>acids and<span>&nbsp;</span>curcin.<sup id="cite_ref-Nahar_16-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[16]</sup></li> <li>Genome: the whole genome was sequenced by<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Kazusa DNA Research Institute</i>, Chiba Japan in October 2010.</li> </ul> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Cultivation">Cultivation</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Cultivation is uncomplicated.<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>grows in<span>&nbsp;</span>tropical<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>subtropical<span>&nbsp;</span>regions.<sup id="cite_ref-20" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[20]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The plant can grow in<span>&nbsp;</span>wastelands<span>&nbsp;</span>and grows on almost any terrain, even on<span>&nbsp;</span>gravelly,<span>&nbsp;</span>sandy<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>saline<span>&nbsp;</span>soils. It can thrive in poor and stony soils, although new research suggests that the plant's ability to adapt to these poor soils is not as extensive as had been previously stated. Complete<span>&nbsp;</span>germination<span>&nbsp;</span>is achieved within 9 days. Adding<span>&nbsp;</span>manure<span>&nbsp;</span>during the germination has negative effects during that phase, but is favorable if applied after germination is achieved. It can be propagated by cuttings, which yields faster results than multiplication by seeds.</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The flowers only develop terminally (at the end of a stem), so a good ramification (plants presenting many branches) produces the greatest amount of fruits. The plants are<span>&nbsp;</span>self-compatible.<sup id="cite_ref-Pesquisa_17-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[17]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Another productivity factor is the ratio between female and male flowers within an inflorescence, more female flowers mean more fruits.<sup id="cite_ref-Jatropha_journal_18-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[18]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>thrives on a mere 250&nbsp;mm (10&nbsp;in) of rain a year, and only during its first two years does it need to be watered in the closing days of the dry season.<span>&nbsp;</span>Ploughing<span>&nbsp;</span>and planting are not needed regularly, as this shrub has a life expectancy of approximately forty years. The use of<span>&nbsp;</span>pesticides<span>&nbsp;</span>is not necessary, due to the pesticidal and<span>&nbsp;</span>fungicidal<span>&nbsp;</span>properties of the plant. It is used in rural Bengal for<span>&nbsp;</span>dhobi itch<span>&nbsp;</span>(a common fungal infection of the skin).</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">While<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>starts yielding from 9–12 months time, the best yields are obtained only after 2–3 years time. The seed production is around 3.5 tons per hectare (seed production ranges from about 0.4 t/ha in the first year to over 5 t/ha after 3 years). If planted in<span>&nbsp;</span>hedges, the reported productivity of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is from 0.8 to 1.0&nbsp;kg of seed per meter of live fence.<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (April 2015)">citation needed</span></i>]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Propagation">Propagation</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Jatropha curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>can easily be propagated by both<span>&nbsp;</span>seed<span>&nbsp;</span>or cuttings.<sup id="cite_ref-Duke_21-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Some people recommend propagation by seed for establishment of long-lived plantations.<sup id="cite_ref-Duong_22-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[22]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>When jatropha plants develop from cuttings, they produce many branches but yield fewer seeds and do not have enough time to develop their taproot, which makes them sensitive to wind erosion.<sup id="cite_ref-feed_23-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[23]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The seeds exhibit orthodox storage behaviour and under normal treatment and storage will maintain viability at high percentages for eight months to a year.<sup id="cite_ref-24" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[24]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-25" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[25]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-26" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[26]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-Duong_22-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[22]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-27" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[27]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Propagation through seed (sexual propagation) leads to a lot of genetic variability in terms of growth, biomass, seed yield and oil content. Clonal techniques can help in overcoming these problems. Vegetative propagation has been achieved by<span>&nbsp;</span>stem cuttings,<span>&nbsp;</span>grafting,<span>&nbsp;</span>budding<span>&nbsp;</span>as well as by<span>&nbsp;</span>air layering<span>&nbsp;</span>techniques. Cuttings should be taken preferably from juvenile plants and treated with 200 micro gram per litre of<span>&nbsp;</span>IBA<span>&nbsp;</span>(rooting hormone) to ensure the highest level of rooting in stem cuttings.<sup id="cite_ref-28" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[28]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Cuttings strike root easily stuck in the ground without use of hormones.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Processing">Processing</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Seed extraction and processing generally needs specialized facilities.</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Oil content varies from 28% to 30% and 80% extraction, one<span>&nbsp;</span>hectare<span>&nbsp;</span>of plantation will give 400 to 600 litres of oil if the soil is average.<sup id="cite_ref-29" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[29]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The oily seeds are processed into<span>&nbsp;</span>oil, which may be used directly ("Straight Vegetable Oil") to fuel combustion engines or may be subjected to<span>&nbsp;</span>transesterification<span>&nbsp;</span>to produce<span>&nbsp;</span>biodiesel.<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (December 2016)">citation needed</span></i>]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Jatropha oil is not suitable for human consumption, as it induces strong<span>&nbsp;</span>vomiting<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>diarrhea.<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (December 2016)">citation needed</span></i>]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Biofuel">Biofuel</span></h2> <div class="thumb tright" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <div class="thumbinner" style="font-size: 13.16px;"><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Jatropha_in_Paraguay_Chaco.jpg/220px-Jatropha_in_Paraguay_Chaco.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="322" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Jatropha_in_Paraguay_Chaco.jpg/330px-Jatropha_in_Paraguay_Chaco.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Jatropha_in_Paraguay_Chaco.jpg/440px-Jatropha_in_Paraguay_Chaco.jpg 2x" data-file-width="684" data-file-height="1000"> <div class="thumbcaption" style="font-size: 12.3704px;"> <div class="magnify"></div> Jatropha plantation in the dry center/west of the<span>&nbsp;</span>Paraguay<span>&nbsp;</span>Chaco</div> </div> </div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">When jatropha seeds are crushed, the resulting jatropha oil can be processed to produce a high-quality<span>&nbsp;</span>biofuel<span>&nbsp;</span>or<span>&nbsp;</span>biodiesel<span>&nbsp;</span>that can be used in a standard diesel car or further processed into jet fuel, while the residue (press cake) can also be used as biomass feedstock to power electricity plants, used as fertilizer (it contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). The cake can also be used as feed in<span>&nbsp;</span>digesters<span>&nbsp;</span>and gasifiers to produce biogas.<sup id="cite_ref-30" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[30]</sup></p> <div class="thumb tright" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <div class="thumbinner" style="font-size: 13.16px;"><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Sedari_Menanam_Hingga_Memetik.jpg/220px-Sedari_Menanam_Hingga_Memetik.jpg" decoding="async" width="220" height="309" class="thumbimage" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Sedari_Menanam_Hingga_Memetik.jpg/330px-Sedari_Menanam_Hingga_Memetik.jpg 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Sedari_Menanam_Hingga_Memetik.jpg/440px-Sedari_Menanam_Hingga_Memetik.jpg 2x" data-file-width="1200" data-file-height="1683"> <div class="thumbcaption" style="font-size: 12.3704px;"> <div class="magnify"></div> <i>"From planting to picking. Treat your jatropha plant as well as possible to make the yield as large as possible!"</i><span>&nbsp;</span>(A reference to the compulsory planting of jatropha in Indonesia for the production of oil as machinery lubricant and fuel for the Japanese WWII war effort.)</div> </div> </div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">There are several forms of biofuel, often manufactured using<span>&nbsp;</span>sedimentation,<span>&nbsp;</span>centrifugation, and<span>&nbsp;</span>filtration. The fats and oils are turned into esters while separating the<span>&nbsp;</span>glycerin. At the end of the process, the glycerin settles and the biofuel floats. The process through which the glycerin is separated from the biodiesel is known as<span>&nbsp;</span>transesterification. Glycerin is another by-product from Jatropha oil processing that can add value to the crop. Transesterification is a simple chemical reaction that neutralizes the free fatty acids present in any fatty substances in Jatropha. A chemical exchange takes place between the<span>&nbsp;</span>alkoxy<span>&nbsp;</span>groups of an ester compound by an alcohol. Usually,<span>&nbsp;</span>methanol<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>ethanol<span>&nbsp;</span>are used for the purpose. The reaction occurs by the presence of a<span>&nbsp;</span>catalyst, usually sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or caustic soda and potassium hydroxide (KOH), which forms fatty esters (e.g., methyl or ethyl esters), commonly known as<span>&nbsp;</span>biodiesel. It takes approximately 10% of methyl alcohol by weight of the fatty substance to start the transesterification process.<sup id="cite_ref-Nahar_16-4" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[16]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Estimates of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>seed yield vary widely, due to a lack of research data, the<span>&nbsp;</span>genetic<span>&nbsp;</span>diversity of the crop, the range of<span>&nbsp;</span>environments<span>&nbsp;</span>in which it is grown, and<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span class="nowrap">'</span>s perennial life cycle. Seed yields under cultivation can range from 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms per<span>&nbsp;</span>hectare, corresponding to extractable oil yields of 540 to 680 litres per hectare (58 to 73 gallons per acre).<sup id="cite_ref-31" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[31]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>In 2009<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Time</i><span>&nbsp;</span>magazine cited the potential for as much as 1,600 gallons of diesel fuel per acre per year.<sup id="cite_ref-32" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[32]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The plant may yield more than four times as much fuel per<span>&nbsp;</span>hectare<span>&nbsp;</span>as<span>&nbsp;</span>soybean, and more than ten times that of<span>&nbsp;</span>maize<span>&nbsp;</span>(corn), but at the same time it requires five times as much water per unit of energy produced as does corn (see below). A hectare of jatropha has been claimed to produce 1,892 litres of fuel.<sup id="cite_ref-33" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[33]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>However, as it has not yet been domesticated or improved by plant breeders, yields are variable.<sup id="cite_ref-Fairless_34-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[34]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>can also be<span>&nbsp;</span>intercropped<span>&nbsp;</span>with other cash crops such as coffee, sugar, fruits and vegetables.<sup id="cite_ref-reuk_35-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[35]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In 2007<span>&nbsp;</span>Goldman Sachs<span>&nbsp;</span>cited<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production.<sup id="cite_ref-online.wsj.com_36-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[36]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>However, despite its abundance and use as an oil and<span>&nbsp;</span>reclamation<span>&nbsp;</span>plant, none of the<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>species has been properly<span>&nbsp;</span>domesticated<span>&nbsp;</span>and, as a result, its productivity is variable, and the long-term impact of its large-scale use on soil quality and the environment is unknown.<sup id="cite_ref-Fairless2_37-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[37]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In 2008 researchers at Daimler Chrysler Research explored the use of jatropha oil for automotive use, concluding that although jatropha oil as fuel "has not yet reached optimal quality, ... it already fulfills the EU norm for biodiesel quality".<span>&nbsp;</span>Archer Daniels Midland Company,<span>&nbsp;</span>Bayer CropScience<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>Daimler AG<span>&nbsp;</span>have a joint project to develop jatropha as a biofuel.<sup id="cite_ref-38" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[38]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Three Mercedes cars powered by Jatropha diesel have already put some 30,000 kilometres behind them. The project is supported by<span>&nbsp;</span>DaimlerChrysler<span>&nbsp;</span>and by the German Association for Investment and Development (Deutschen Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, DEG).</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Jet_fuel">Jet fuel</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Aviation fuels may be more widely replaced by biofuels such as jatropha oil than fuels for other forms of transportation. There are fewer planes than cars or trucks and far fewer jet fueling stations to convert than gas stations.<sup id="cite_ref-nytimes12-30_39-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[39]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>To fulfil the yearly demand for aviation fuel, based on demand in 2008 (fuel use has since grown), an area of farmland twice the size of France would need to be planted with jatropha, based on average yields of mature plantations on reasonably good, irrigated land.<sup id="cite_ref-40" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[40]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">On December 30, 2008,<span>&nbsp;</span>Air New Zealand<span>&nbsp;</span>flew the first successful test flight from<span>&nbsp;</span>Auckland<span>&nbsp;</span>with a<span>&nbsp;</span>Boeing 747<span>&nbsp;</span>running one of its four<span>&nbsp;</span>Rolls-Royce<span>&nbsp;</span>engines on a 50:50 blend of jatropha oil and<span>&nbsp;</span>jet A-1 fuel.<sup id="cite_ref-nytimes12-30_39-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[39]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-41" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[41]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>In the same press release, Air New Zealand announced plans to use the new fuel for 10% of its needs by 2013. At the time of this test, jatropha oil was much cheaper than crude oil, costing an estimated $43 a barrel or about one-third of the June 4, 2008 closing price of $122.30 for a<span>&nbsp;</span>barrel<span>&nbsp;</span>of<span>&nbsp;</span>crude oil.<sup id="cite_ref-42" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[42]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">On January 7, 2009 Continental Airlines successfully completed a test flight from Houston, Texas using a 50/50 mixture of algae/jatropha-oil-derived biofuel and Jet A in one of the two CFM56 engines of a Boeing 737-800 Next Generation jet. The two-hour test flight could mark another promising step for the airline industry to find cheaper and more<span>&nbsp;</span>environmentally friendly<span>&nbsp;</span>alternatives to<span>&nbsp;</span>fossil fuel.</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">On April 1, 2011<span>&nbsp;</span>Interjet<span>&nbsp;</span>completed the first Mexican aviation biofuels test flight on an<span>&nbsp;</span>Airbus A320. The fuel was a 70:30 traditional jet fuel biojet blend produced from Jatropha oil provided by three Mexican producers, Global Energías Renovables (a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S.-based<span>&nbsp;</span>Global Clean Energy Holdings), Bencafser S.A. and Energy JH S.A. Honeywell's UOP processed the oil into Bio-SPK (Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene).<sup id="cite_ref-BiodeiselsMexico_43-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[43]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Global Energías Renovables operates the largest Jatropha farm in the Americas.<sup id="cite_ref-BiodeiselsMexico_43-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[43]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">On October 28, 2011<span>&nbsp;</span>Air China<span>&nbsp;</span>completed the first successful demonstration flight by a Chinese airline that used jatropha-based biofuel. The mixture was a 50:50 mix of conventional jet fuel blended with jatropha oil from China National Petroleum Corp. The 747-400 powered one of its four engines on the fuel mixture during the 1-hour flight around Beijing airport.<sup id="cite_ref-44" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[44]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">On August 27, 2018<span>&nbsp;</span>SpiceJet<span>&nbsp;</span>completed the first successful test flight by an Indian airline which used jatropha based biofuel. The ratio of conventional jet fuel to jatropha oil was 25:75.<sup id="cite_ref-45" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[45]</sup></p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Carbon_dioxide_sequestration">Carbon dioxide sequestration</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">According to a 2013 study published by the<span>&nbsp;</span>European Geosciences Union,<sup id="cite_ref-46" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[46]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>the jatropha tree may have applications in the absorption of carbon dioxide, whose sequestration is important in<span>&nbsp;</span>combating climate change.<sup id="cite_ref-47" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[47]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>This small tree is very resistant to aridity so it can be planted in hot and dry land in soil unsuitable for food production. The plant does need water to grow though, so coastal areas where desalinated seawater can be made available are ideal.</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Use_in_developing_world">Use in developing world</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Currently the oil from<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>seeds<span>&nbsp;</span>is used for making<span>&nbsp;</span>biodiesel<span>&nbsp;</span>fuel in<span>&nbsp;</span>Philippines,<span>&nbsp;</span>Pakistan<span>&nbsp;</span>and in<span>&nbsp;</span>Brazil, where it grows naturally and in plantations in the southeast, north, and northeast of Brazil. In the<span>&nbsp;</span>Gran Chaco<span>&nbsp;</span>of<span>&nbsp;</span>Paraguay, where a native variety (<i>Jatropha matacensis</i>) also grows, studies have shown the suitability of Jatropha cultivation<sup id="cite_ref-48" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[48]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-49" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[49]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and agro producers are starting to consider planting in the region.<sup id="cite_ref-50" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[50]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>In Africa, cultivation of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is being promoted and it is grown successfully in countries such as<span>&nbsp;</span>Mali.<sup id="cite_ref-51" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[51]</sup></p> <h4 style="color: #000000; font-size: 14px;"><span class="mw-headline" id="India">India</span></h4> <div role="note" class="hatnote navigation-not-searchable" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Further information:<span>&nbsp;</span>Jatropha biodiesel in India</div> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Jatropha oil is being promoted as an easily grown biofuel crop in hundreds of projects throughout India.<sup id="cite_ref-WAC_52-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[52]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Large plantings and nurseries have been undertaken in India by many research institutions, and by women's<span>&nbsp;</span>self-help<span>&nbsp;</span>groups who use a system of<span>&nbsp;</span>microcredit<span>&nbsp;</span>to ease poverty among semiliterate Indian women. The<span>&nbsp;</span>railway line<span>&nbsp;</span>between<span>&nbsp;</span>Mumbai<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>Delhi<span>&nbsp;</span>is planted with<span>&nbsp;</span><i>jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>and the train itself runs on 15–20%<span>&nbsp;</span>biodiesel.<sup id="cite_ref-Fairless_34-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[34]</sup></p> <h4 style="color: #000000; font-size: 14px;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Myanmar">Myanmar</span><span class="mw-editsection" style="font-size: small;"><span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color: #54595d;">[</span>edit<span class="mw-editsection-bracket" style="color: #54595d;">]</span></span></h4> <table class="box-Unreferenced_section plainlinks metadata ambox ambox-content ambox-Unreferenced" role="presentation" style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="mbox-image"> <div><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/50px-Question_book-new.svg.png" decoding="async" width="50" height="39" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/75px-Question_book-new.svg.png 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/99/Question_book-new.svg/100px-Question_book-new.svg.png 2x" data-file-width="512" data-file-height="399"></div> </td> <td class="mbox-text"> <div class="mbox-text-span">This section<span>&nbsp;</span><b>does not<span>&nbsp;</span>cite<span>&nbsp;</span>any<span>&nbsp;</span>sources</b>.<span class="hide-when-compact"><span>&nbsp;</span>Please help<span>&nbsp;</span>improve this section<span>&nbsp;</span>by<span>&nbsp;</span>adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and<span>&nbsp;</span>removed.</span><span>&nbsp;</span><span class="date-container"><i>(<span class="date">December 2016</span>)</i></span><span class="hide-when-compact"><i><span>&nbsp;</span>(Learn how and when to remove this template message)</i></span></div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Myanmar<span>&nbsp;</span>is also actively pursuing the use of jatropha oil. On 15 December 2005, then-head of state, Senior General<span>&nbsp;</span>Than Shwe, said “the States and Divisions concerned are to put 50,000 acres (200 km²) under the physic nut plants [Jatropha] each within three years totalling 700,000 acres (2,800 km²) during the period”. On the occasion of Burma’s Peasant Day 2006, Than Shwe described in his a message that “For energy sector which is an essential role in transforming industrial agriculture system, the Government is encouraging for cultivation of physic nut plants nationwide and the technical know how that can refine physic nuts to biodiesel has also identified.” He would like to urge peasants to cultivate physic nut plants on a commercial scale with major aims for emergence of industrial agriculture system, for fulfilling rural electricity supply and energy needs, for supporting rural areas development and import substitute economy. (2005 from MRTV)</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In 2006, the chief research officer at state-run<span>&nbsp;</span>Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise<span>&nbsp;</span>said Burma hoped to completely replace the country's oil imports of 40,000 barrels a day with home-brewed, jatropha-derived biofuel. Other government officials declared Burma would soon start exporting jatropha oil. Despite the military's efforts, the jatropha campaign apparently has largely flopped in its goal of making Burma self-sufficient in fuel. (2006 from MyawaddyTV)</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Z.G.S. Bioenergy has started Jatropha Plantation Projects in Northern<span>&nbsp;</span>Shan State, the company has begun planting Jatropha plants during late June 2007 and will start producing seeds by 2010. (20 July 2007 from New Light of Myanmar)</p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Controversies">Controversies</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">As of 2011 scepticism about the "miracle" properties of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has been voiced. For example: "The idea that jatropha can be grown on marginal land is a<span>&nbsp;</span>red herring", according to Harry Stourton, former business development director of UK-based Sun Biofuels, which attempted to cultivate<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>in Mozambique and Tanzania. "It does grow on marginal land, but if you use marginal land you'll get marginal yields," he said.<sup id="cite_ref-53" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[53]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-54" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[54]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Sun Biofuels, after failing to adequately compensate local farmers for the land acquired for their plantation in Tanzania, pay workers severance, or deliver promised supplies to local villagers, went bankrupt later in 2011, the villager farmland being sold to an offshore investment fund.<sup id="cite_ref-55" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[55]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">An August 2010 article warned about the actual utility and potential dangers of reliance on<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>in Kenya. Major concerns included its invasiveness, which could disrupt local biodiversity, as well as damage to water catchment areas.<sup id="cite_ref-56" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[56]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Jatropha curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is lauded as being sustainable, and that its production would not compete with food production, but the jatropha plant needs water like every other crop to grow. This could create competition for water between the jatropha and other edible food crops. In fact, jatropha requires five times more water per unit of energy than sugarcane and corn.<sup id="cite_ref-57" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[57]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-58" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[58]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Food_for_human_consumption">Food for human consumption</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Xuta</i>,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>chuta</i>,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>aishte</i><span>&nbsp;</span>or<span>&nbsp;</span><i>piñón manso</i><span>&nbsp;</span>(among others) are some of the names given in<span>&nbsp;</span>Mexico<span>&nbsp;</span>to edible non-toxic<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha curcas</i>.<sup id="cite_ref-Universidad_59-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[59]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-valdez2013_9-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is grown in house gardens or other small areas.<sup id="cite_ref-Universidad_59-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[59]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Although it is known as a toxic plant due to the presence of diterpenes named phorbol esters,<sup id="cite_ref-60" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[60]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>the existence of edible non-toxic<span>&nbsp;</span><i>J. curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>without phorbol esters content has been demonstrated.<sup id="cite_ref-valdez2013_9-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-Osuna_61-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[61]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is also similarly reported that<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>seeds are edible once the embryo has been removed.<sup id="cite_ref-62" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[62]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The process for analysis of phorbol ester contents in<span>&nbsp;</span><i>J. curcas</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is done through<span>&nbsp;</span>high-performance liquid chromatography<span>&nbsp;</span>(HPLC).<sup id="cite_ref-Makkar_63-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[63]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Xuta is traditionally prepared for local celebrations or popular parties. The kernels are roasted and eaten as a snack or roasted and ground to prepare different dishes, such as<span>&nbsp;</span>tamales, soups and sauces like “pipian”.<sup id="cite_ref-valdez2013_9-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-Osuna_61-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[61]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The seeds in the zone around Misantla, Veracruz are very appreciated by the population as food once they have been boiled and roasted.</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Root ashes are used as a salt substitute.<span>&nbsp;</span>HCN<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>rotenone<span>&nbsp;</span>are present.<sup id="cite_ref-64" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[64]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Other_uses">Other uses</span></h2> <ul style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <li><b>Flowers</b></li> </ul> <dl style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <dd>The species is listed as a<span>&nbsp;</span>honey<span>&nbsp;</span>plant.<span>&nbsp;</span>Hydrogen cyanide is present.<sup id="cite_ref-65" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[65]</sup></dd> </dl> <ul style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <li><b>Nuts</b></li> </ul> <dl style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <dd>Can be construed for home cooking fuel in briquette form replacing charcoalized timber as in Haiti.<sup id="cite_ref-Glenn_Brooks_Jachob_e3_66-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[66]</sup></dd> <dd>They can be burned like<span>&nbsp;</span>candlenuts<span>&nbsp;</span>when strung on grass.<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (October 2014)">citation needed</span></i>]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>HCN<span>&nbsp;</span>is present.<sup id="cite_ref-67" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup></dd> <dd>Used as a<span>&nbsp;</span>contraceptive<span>&nbsp;</span>in South Sudan.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_68-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[68]</sup></dd> </dl> <ul style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <li><b>Seeds</b></li> </ul> <dl style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> <dd>Interest exists in producing animal feed<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (October 2014)">citation needed</span></i>]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>from the bio-waste once the oil is expressed, as in the case with Haiti, where Jatropha curcas grows prolifically and animal feed is in very short supply.<sup id="cite_ref-Glenn_Brooks_Jachob_e3_66-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[66]</sup></dd> <dd>Similarly, Metsiyen in the Haitian culture dates back as a medicinal crop—thus the name "metsiyen"/"medsiyen". Some suggest it "calms the stomach".<sup id="cite_ref-Glenn_Brooks_Jachob_e3_66-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[66]</sup></dd> <dd>Also used as a contraceptive in South Sudan.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_68-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[68]</sup></dd> <dd class="">The oil has been used for illumination,<span>&nbsp;</span>soap,<span>&nbsp;</span>candles, the<span>&nbsp;</span>adulteration<span>&nbsp;</span>of<span>&nbsp;</span>olive oil, and making<span>&nbsp;</span>Turkey red oil.<span>&nbsp;</span>Turkey red oil, also called sulphonated (or sulfated) castor oil, is the only oil that completely disperses in water. It is made by adding<span>&nbsp;</span>sulfuric acid<span>&nbsp;</span>to pure<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Jatropha</i><span>&nbsp;</span>oil.<sup id="cite_ref-69" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[69]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It was the first synthetic<span>&nbsp;</span>detergent<span>&nbsp;</span>after ordinary<span>&nbsp;</span>soap, as this allows easy use for making bath oil products. It is used in formulating<span>&nbsp;</span>lubricants, softeners, and<span>&nbsp;</span>dyeing assistants.</dd> </dl><script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
T 92 (5 S)
Physic nut, Barbados nut Seeds (Jatropha curcas)

Medicinal or spice plant
Purple coneflower seeds...

Purple coneflower seeds...

Price €1.15 (SKU: MHS 75)
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<h2><strong>Purple coneflower seeds (Echinacea purpurea)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for a Package of 20 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Echinacea purpurea</b></i>, the<span>&nbsp;</span><b>eastern purple coneflower</b>,<sup id="cite_ref-b_2-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span><b>purple coneflower</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>hedgehog coneflower</b>, or<span>&nbsp;</span><b>echinacea</b>, is a<span>&nbsp;</span>North American<span>&nbsp;</span>species<span>&nbsp;</span>of<span>&nbsp;</span>flowering plant<span>&nbsp;</span>in the<span>&nbsp;</span>sunflower family.<sup id="cite_ref-Zimmerman_3-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is<span>&nbsp;</span>native<span>&nbsp;</span>to parts of eastern North America<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and presents to some extent in the wild in much of the eastern, southeastern, and midwestern<span>&nbsp;</span>United States<span>&nbsp;</span>as well as in the<span>&nbsp;</span>Canadian Province<span>&nbsp;</span>of<span>&nbsp;</span>Ontario. It is most common in the<span>&nbsp;</span>Ozarks<span>&nbsp;</span>and in the<span>&nbsp;</span>Mississippi/Ohio Valley. <sup id="cite_ref-PLANTS_5-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup>Its<span>&nbsp;</span>habitats<span>&nbsp;</span>include dry open woods, prairies, and barrens.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Taxonomy">Taxonomy</span></h2> <p><i>Echinacea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is derived from<span>&nbsp;</span>Greek, meaning ‘spiny one’, in reference to the spiny sea urchins 'εχίνοι' which the ripe flower heads of species of this genus resemble. The epithet<span>&nbsp;</span><i>purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>means 'reddish-purple'.<sup id="cite_ref-gledhill_7-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[7]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Originally named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Rudbeckia purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>by Linnaeus in 1753 in Species plantarum 6, it was reclassified in 1794 by Conrad Moench, in a new genus named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>(L.) Moench. In 1818,<span>&nbsp;</span>Thomas Nuttall<span>&nbsp;</span>describes a new variety that he named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Rudbeckia purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>var. serotina. Just two decades later, De Candolle raised him to the rank of species of the other genus<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea serotina</i><span>&nbsp;</span>(Nutt.) DC. (1836).<sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[8]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>In 2002, Binns et al. discovered a misapplication of the name<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11.9px;">(L.) Moench</span><span>&nbsp;</span>for the taxon correctly named<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Echinacea serotina</i><span>&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 11.9px;">(Nutt.) DC.</span><span>&nbsp;</span>in 1836. The authors proposed to retain the names not to cause confusion among gardeners and herbalists.<sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Other names include: Broad-leaved purple coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower, Hedgehog Coneflower, Echinacea.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Description">Description</span></h2> <p><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is an<span>&nbsp;</span>herbaceous<span>&nbsp;</span>perennial<span>&nbsp;</span>up to 120&nbsp;cm (47&nbsp;in) tall by 25&nbsp;cm (10&nbsp;in) wide at maturity. Depending on the climate, it blooms throughout summer into autumn. Its cone-shaped<span>&nbsp;</span>flowering heads<span>&nbsp;</span>are usually, but not always, purple in the wild. Its individual flowers (florets) within the<span>&nbsp;</span>flower head<span>&nbsp;</span>are<span>&nbsp;</span>hermaphroditic, having both male and female organs in each flower. It is<span>&nbsp;</span>pollinated<span>&nbsp;</span>by butterflies and bees. The alternate leaves, borne by a<span>&nbsp;</span>petiole<span>&nbsp;</span>from 0 to 17&nbsp;cm, are oval to<span>&nbsp;</span>lanceolate, 5-30 x 5-12&nbsp;cm; the margin is tightened to toothed.</p> <p>The<span>&nbsp;</span>inflorescence<span>&nbsp;</span>is a<span>&nbsp;</span>capitulum, 7 to 15&nbsp;cm in diameter, formed by a prominent domed central protuberance consisting of multiple small yellow florets. These are surrounded by a ring of pink or purple<span>&nbsp;</span>ligulate<span>&nbsp;</span>florets. The tubular florets are<span>&nbsp;</span>hermaphrodite<span>&nbsp;</span>while the ligular florets are<span>&nbsp;</span>sterile. The<span>&nbsp;</span>involucral bracts<span>&nbsp;</span>are linear to lanceolate. The plant prefers well-drained soils in full sun.<sup id="cite_ref-b_2-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The fruit is an<span>&nbsp;</span>achene, sought after by birds.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Cultivation">Cultivation</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is grown as an<span>&nbsp;</span>ornamental plant<span>&nbsp;</span>in temperate regions. It is ideal for curbs, walkways or beds. The flowers can also go into the composition of fresh bouquets. Numerous<span>&nbsp;</span>cultivars<span>&nbsp;</span>have been developed for flower quality and plant form.<sup id="cite_ref-Zimmerman_3-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[3]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The plant grows in sun or light shade.<sup id="cite_ref-midgely1999_10-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It thrives in either dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought once established. The cultivars 'Ruby Giant'<sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[11]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span><span class="trade_designation"><b>Elton Knight</b></span>='Elbrook'<sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[12]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>have gained the<span>&nbsp;</span>Royal Horticultural Society's<span>&nbsp;</span>Award of Garden Merit.<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[13]</sup></p> <h3 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.2em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Propagation">Propagation</span></h3> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is<span>&nbsp;</span>propagated<span>&nbsp;</span>either<span>&nbsp;</span>vegetatively<span>&nbsp;</span>or from<span>&nbsp;</span>seeds.<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Useful vegetative techniques include division, root cuttings, and basal cuttings. Clumps can be<span>&nbsp;</span>divided, or broken into smaller bunches, which is normally done in the spring or autumn. Cuttings made from roots that are "pencil-sized" will develop into plants when started in late autumn or early winter.<sup id="cite_ref-Zimmerman_3-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[3]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Cuttings of basal shoots in the spring may be rooted when treated with<span>&nbsp;</span>rooting hormones, such as IBA at 1000&nbsp;ppm.<sup id="cite_ref-Plant_Delights_14-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[14]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Seed<span>&nbsp;</span>germination<span>&nbsp;</span>occurs best with daily temperature fluctuations<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>or after stratification,<sup id="cite_ref-15" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[15]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>which help to end<span>&nbsp;</span>dormancy. Seeds may be started indoors in advance of the growing season or outdoors after the growing season has started.</p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Ecology">Ecology</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">Slugs<sup id="cite_ref-pfaf_4-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>rabbits<span>&nbsp;</span>will also eat the foliage when young, or shortly after emerging in the spring.<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[16]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Additionally, roots can be damaged and eaten by<span>&nbsp;</span>gophers.<sup id="cite_ref-PLANTS_5-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[5]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Chemistry">Chemistry</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Echinacea purpurea</i><span>&nbsp;</span>contains alkamides,<span>&nbsp;</span>caffeic acid<span>&nbsp;</span>derivatives,<span>&nbsp;</span>polysaccharides, and<span>&nbsp;</span>glycoproteins.<sup id="cite_ref-Saeidnia_2015_63_17-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[17]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Nicotiflorin is the dominant<span>&nbsp;</span>flavonoid<span>&nbsp;</span>in<span>&nbsp;</span><i>E. purpurea</i>, followed by the flavonoid<span>&nbsp;</span>rutin.<sup id="cite_ref-Kurkin_905–906_18-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[18]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Traditional_medicine">Traditional medicine</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;" class=""><strong>Native Americans used the plant as a traditional medicine to treat many ailments.<br><br>Medicinal ingredients<br>Three types of echinacea show healing properties: (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida). These species contain in different ratios: phenolic carboxylic acids and depsidic acids: caffeic, chlorogenic and dicapheoylcholic acid; esters of caffeic ivic acid and ferulinic and tartaric acid. Esters of sugar and caffeic acid - echinacosides are also present; unsaturated, aliphatic compounds: amides, isobutylamides, polyene acids ...<br><br>Medicinal effect and use<br>Both above-ground and underground parts of the plant are used, from which syrup, tea, tinctures, sprays, tablets, juices, etc. can be made. Various products based on this plant can now be found on our market, but caution is advised when using them. It is best to seek advice from experts (pharmacists) in order to avoid the use of insufficiently good preparations and for the dosage to be correct.<br><br>Among the American Indians, this plant is the basis of folk medicine, like lynx in our nation. They use it against snake bites and stings of poisonous insects (it has an antiseptic effect) and inflammation, as well as for raising and maintaining immunity.<br><br>Today, it is mostly used to raise immunity and to improve the defense against infection by microorganisms (viruses, bacteria). The use of echinacea increases non-specific immunity, ie it achieves a better defense ability of the organism against anything that could harm it.<br><br>Echinacea is considered to increase the body's defenses by increasing the number of leukocytes (white blood cells), and stimulates the synthesis of interferon, a protein that participates in the body's defense against viral infections. The best effect is achieved when preparations of this plant are taken as soon as the first symptoms of flu or cold are noticed, that is, before the disease develops. This helps the body to resist infection. Echinacea has antibacterial and antiviral effects. It is also applied locally, for wounds, injuries, bites, stings ... because it has an antibacterial effect and accelerates wound healing by creating connective tissue. It is used in case of infections or preventively, to stimulate immunity, and it is not recommended to use it for more than 8 weeks in a row. German Commission E approved the use of echinacea extract in colds and chronic respiratory infections, and in lower urinary tract infections.<br><br>Side effects<br>No side effects were reported. Allergies are possible in people who are allergic to other plants from the Asteraceae family (dandelion, chamomile ...).<br><br>Contraindications<br>Due to its immunostimulatory properties, echinacea should not be used in autoimmune diseases (AIDS, multiple sclerosis, collagenosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ...). Concomitant use with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids is contraindicated. It does not apply to children younger than 2 years.<br><br>Due to insufficient knowledge of the composition and action of echinacea, it is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The application is contraindicated in the following systemic diseases: tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases.<br></strong><sup id="cite_ref-drugs_19-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup></p> <script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
MHS 75 (0.1 g)
Purple coneflower seeds (Echinacea purpurea)
Love-In-A-Mist, Ragged Lady Flower Seeds 1.95 - 2

Love-In-A-Mist, Ragged Lady...

Price €1.95 (SKU: MHS 162)
,
5/ 5
<div class="&quot;rte&quot;"> <h2><strong>Love-In-A-Mist, Ragged Lady Flower Seeds</strong></h2> <h3><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 50 seeds.</strong></span></h3> <p>Nigella damascena (love-in-a-mist, ragged lady) is an annual garden flowering plant, belonging to the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is native to southern Europe (but adventive in more northern countries of Europe), North Africa, and southwest Asia, where it is found on neglected, damp patches of land.</p> <p class="">The specific epithet Damascena relates to Damascus in Syria. The plant's common name comes from the flower being nestled in a ring of multifid, lacy bracts. It is also sometimes called devil-in-the-bush</p> <p>It grows to 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall, with pinnately divided, thread-like, alternate leaves. The flowers, blooming in early summer, are most commonly different shades of blue but can be white, pink, or pale purple, with 5 to 25 sepals. The actual petals are located at the base of the stamens and are minute and clawed. The sepals are the only colored part of the perianth. The four to five carpels of the compound pistil have each an erect style.</p> <p>The fruit is a large and inflated capsule, growing from a compound ovary, and is composed of several united follicles, each containing numerous seeds. This is rather exceptional for a member of the buttercup family. The capsule becomes brown in late summer. The plant self-seeds, growing on the same spot year after year.</p> <p><strong>Cultivation</strong></p> <p>This easily grown plant has been a familiar subject in English cottage gardens since Elizabethan times, admired for its ferny foliage, spiky flowers, and bulbous seed-heads. It is now widely cultivated throughout the temperate world, and numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use. The most common variety is 'Miss Jekyll' which has blue flowers, but the more recent 'Persian Jewels' is a mixture of white, pink, lavender, and blue flowers. 'Persian Rose' is pale pink. Other cultivars are 'Albion', 'Blue Midget', 'Cambridge Blue', 'Mulberry Rose', and 'Oxford Blue'. 'Dwarf Moody Blue' is around 15 cm (6 in) high. The white-flowered cultivar 'Miss Jekyll Alba' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.<br /><br /><strong>Use:</strong> in herbal medicine and as a spice in the kitchen<br />Nigella is used in natural medicine as a diuretic, for easier coughing and against bloating.<br />Nigella seed oil is used to make perfumes and lipsticks. Finely ground seeds have an intense taste of Lazarus.<br />They can be used in the kitchen to enhance desserts. Due to the alkaloid contained damascene which is toxic in case of overdose, used in the kitchen.</p> </div> <script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
MHS 162 (50 S)
Love-In-A-Mist, Ragged Lady Flower Seeds 1.95 - 2

Ayurveda Plant

Medicinal or spice plant
Gotu kola Seeds (Centella...

Gotu kola Seeds (Centella...

Price €2.45 (SKU: MHS 78)
,
5/ 5
<h2><strong>Gotu kola Seeds (Centella asiatica)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #fd0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 20 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i><b>Centella asiatica</b></i>, commonly known as<span>&nbsp;</span><b>Gotu kola</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>kodavan</b>,<span>&nbsp;</span><b>Indian pennywort</b><span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span><b>Asiatic pennywort</b>, is a<span>&nbsp;</span>herbaceous,<span>&nbsp;</span>perennial plant<span>&nbsp;</span>in the<span>&nbsp;</span>flowering plant<span>&nbsp;</span>family<span>&nbsp;</span>Apiaceae.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is native to the wetlands in<span>&nbsp;</span>Asia.<sup id="cite_ref-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><sup id="cite_ref-FD_4-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It is used as a culinary<span>&nbsp;</span>vegetable<span>&nbsp;</span>and as a<span>&nbsp;</span>medicinal herb.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;"></sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Description">Description</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Centella</i><span>&nbsp;</span>grows in<span>&nbsp;</span>temperate<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>tropical<span>&nbsp;</span>swampy areas in many regions of the world.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The stems are slender, creeping<span>&nbsp;</span>stolons, green to reddish-green in color, connecting plants to each other.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-4" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>It has long-stalked, green, rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-5" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The leaves are borne on pericladial petioles,<sup class="noprint Inline-Template" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="The text near this tag may need clarification or removal of jargon. (September 2021)">clarification needed</span></i>]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>around 2&nbsp;cm (0.79&nbsp;in). The rootstock consists of<span>&nbsp;</span>rhizomes, growing vertically down. They are creamish in color and covered with root hairs.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-6" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">The<span>&nbsp;</span>flowers<span>&nbsp;</span>are white or<span>&nbsp;</span>crimson<span>&nbsp;</span>in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the soil.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-7" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size, less than 3&nbsp;mm (0.12&nbsp;in), with five to six corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five stamens and two<span>&nbsp;</span>styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Hydrocotyle</i><span>&nbsp;</span>which have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit.<sup id="cite_ref-FD_4-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[4]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The crop matures in three months, and the whole plant, including the roots, is harvested manually. It is a highly<span>&nbsp;</span>invasive<span>&nbsp;</span>plant, rated as "high risk".<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-8" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span><i>Centella</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has numerous common names in its regions of distribution.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-9" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Habitat">Habitat</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Centella asiatica</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and wetland regions of the Southeastern US.<sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[5]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[6]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Because the plant is aquatic, it is especially sensitive to biological and chemical pollutants in the water, which may be absorbed into the plant. It can be cultivated in drier soils as long as they are watered regularly enough (such as in a home garden arrangement).<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (June 2021)">citation needed</span></i>]</sup></p> <h2 style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Chemistry">Chemistry</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"><i>Centella</i><span>&nbsp;</span>contains pentacyclic<span>&nbsp;</span>triterpenoids, including<span>&nbsp;</span>asiaticoside,<span>&nbsp;</span>brahmoside,<span>&nbsp;</span>asiatic acid, and<span>&nbsp;</span>brahmic acid<span>&nbsp;</span>(madecassic acid). Other constituents include<span>&nbsp;</span>centellose,<span>&nbsp;</span>centelloside, and madecassoside.<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[7]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[8]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[9]</sup></p> <p style="color: #000000; font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Culinary_use">Culinary</span><span id="Culinary_use"> use</span><span id="Culinary_use"><br></span><span></span></p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In<span>&nbsp;</span>Burmese cuisine, raw pennywort is used as the main constituent in a salad mixed with onions, crushed peanuts, bean powder and seasoned with lime juice and fish sauce. Centella is used as a leafy green in<span>&nbsp;</span>Sri Lankan<span>&nbsp;</span>cuisine, being the predominantly locally available leafy green, where it is called<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">gotu kola</i>. It is most often prepared as<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">malluma</i>, a traditional accompaniment to<span>&nbsp;</span>rice<span>&nbsp;</span>and vegetarian dishes, such as<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="hi-Latn" title="Hindi-language romanization">dal</i>, and<span>&nbsp;</span>jackfruit<span>&nbsp;</span>or<span>&nbsp;</span>pumpkin<span>&nbsp;</span>curry. It is considered nutritious. In addition to finely chopped<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">gotu kola</i><span>&nbsp;</span>plants, the<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">gotu kola malluma</i><span>&nbsp;</span>may be eaten with grated<span>&nbsp;</span>coconut, diced<span>&nbsp;</span>shallots,<span>&nbsp;</span>lime<span>&nbsp;</span>(or<span>&nbsp;</span>lemon) juice, and sea salt. Additional ingredients are finely chopped green<span>&nbsp;</span>chilis,<span>&nbsp;</span>chili powder,<span>&nbsp;</span>turmeric<span>&nbsp;</span>powder, or chopped<span>&nbsp;</span>carrots. The<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Centella</i><span>&nbsp;</span>fruit-bearing structures are discarded from the<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">gotu kola malluma</i><span>&nbsp;</span>due to their intense bitter taste. A variation of<span>&nbsp;</span>porridge<span>&nbsp;</span>known as<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">kola kenda</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is also made with<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">gotu kola</i><span>&nbsp;</span>in Sri Lanka.<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">Gotu kola kenda</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is made with well-boiled red rice with some extra liquid,<span>&nbsp;</span>coconut milk<span>&nbsp;</span>first extract, and<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="si-Latn" title="Sinhala-language romanization">gotu kola</i><span>&nbsp;</span>purée. The porridge is accompanied with<span>&nbsp;</span>jaggery<span>&nbsp;</span>for sweetness.<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Centella</i><span>&nbsp;</span>leaves are also used in modern sweet pennywort drinks and herbal teas. In addition the leaves are served stir-fried whole in coconut oil, or cooked in coconut milk with garlic or<span>&nbsp;</span><i lang="hi-Latn" title="Hindi-language romanization">dhal</i>.</p> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In<span>&nbsp;</span>Indonesia, the leaves are used for<span>&nbsp;</span><i>sambai oi peuga-ga</i>, an<span>&nbsp;</span>Aceh<span>&nbsp;</span>type of salad, and is also mixed into<span>&nbsp;</span><i>asinan</i><span>&nbsp;</span>in<span>&nbsp;</span>Bogor. In<span>&nbsp;</span>Cambodia,<span>&nbsp;</span>Vietnam<span>&nbsp;</span>and<span>&nbsp;</span>Thailand, this leaf is used for preparing a drink or can be eaten in raw form in salads or<span>&nbsp;</span>cold rolls. In Bangkok, vendors in the<span>&nbsp;</span>Chatuchak Weekend Market<span>&nbsp;</span>sell it alongside coconut,<span>&nbsp;</span>roselle,<span>&nbsp;</span>chrysanthemum, orange and other health drinks. In<span>&nbsp;</span>Malay cuisine<span>&nbsp;</span>it is known as pegaga, and the leaves of this plant are used for<span>&nbsp;</span><i>ulam</i>, a type of vegetable salad.<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-10" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span><i>C. asiatica</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is widely used in various<span>&nbsp;</span>Indian regional cuisines. In Bangladesh Centella is called<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Thankuni Pata</i><span>&nbsp;</span>and used in various dishes, one of the most appetising of which is the<span>&nbsp;</span>pakora-like snack called<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Thankuni Patar Bora</i>; made of mashed<span>&nbsp;</span><i>Centella</i>,<span>&nbsp;</span>lentils,<span>&nbsp;</span>julienne-ed onion and<span>&nbsp;</span>green chilli.<sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[<i><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (January 2021)">citation needed</span></i>]</sup></p> <h2 style="font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Traditional_medicine">Traditional medicine</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In<span>&nbsp;</span>traditional medicine,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>C. asiatica</i><span>&nbsp;</span>has been used to treat various disorders and minor wounds,<sup id="cite_ref-cabi_2-11" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[2]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>although clinical efficacy and safety have not been scientifically confirmed.<sup id="cite_ref-drugs_10-0" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Contact dermatitis<span>&nbsp;</span>and skin irritation can result from<span>&nbsp;</span>topical application.<sup id="cite_ref-drugs_10-1" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>Drowsiness<span>&nbsp;</span>may occur after consuming it.<sup id="cite_ref-drugs_10-2" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><span>&nbsp;</span>The herb may have<span>&nbsp;</span>adverse effects<span>&nbsp;</span>on<span>&nbsp;</span>liver function<span>&nbsp;</span>when used over many months.<sup id="cite_ref-drugs_10-3" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[10]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference" style="font-size: 11.2px;">[11]</sup></p> <h2 style="font-size: 1.5em;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Agriculture">Agriculture</span></h2> <p style="color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In the context of<span>&nbsp;</span>phytoremediation,<span>&nbsp;</span><i>C. asiatica</i><span>&nbsp;</span>is a potential<span>&nbsp;</span>phytoextraction<span>&nbsp;</span>tool owing to its ability to take up and<span>&nbsp;</span>translocate<span>&nbsp;</span>metals from root to shoot when grown in soils contaminated by<span>&nbsp;</span>heavy metals.<span id="Culinary_use"></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Culinary_use"><br></span></p><script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
MHS 78
Gotu kola Seeds (Centella asiatica)
Fuzzyfruit nightshade seeds...

Fuzzyfruit nightshade seeds...

Price €2.25 (SKU: V 124)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Fuzzyfruit nightshade seeds (Solanum candidum)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 5 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>A herby shrub to 3 m tall with large, lobed leaves and furry, apricot-sized, edible fruits. Solanum candidum is widely distributed in woodlands and disturbed areas from southern Mexico south along the Andes to Peru.</p> <p>Solanum candidum is a species of evergreen shrub native to South America and occasionally grown for its edible fruit.</p> <p>Undomesticated and very rare in cultivation, it is known as fuzzyfruit nightshade, naranjilla Silvestre or chichilegua. The fruit somewhat resembles the related Cocona (Solanum sessiliflorum), and Solanum candidum will apparently hybridize with a number of close relatives, including cocona, naranjilla, and pseudolulo. One notable difference is the extremely hirsute fruits, which – unlike most of its relatives – do not detach easily upon full ripening, which is a hindrance to eating the ripe fruit. Nonetheless, S. candidum is a close relative of other nightshades cultivated for their edible fruit, including the tomato (S. lycopersicum), the naranjilla (S. quitoense), and the eggplant (S. melongena). Its relatively strong resistance to pests and disease (in comparison with its more appetizing relatives) has drawn some agricultural interest.</p> <p>Scientifically, S. candidum is of additional interest, as it appears to be the closest relative and a possible ancestor to Asian members of the same botanical clade, notably Solanum lasiocarpum, which is native to India but is cultivated for its naranjilla-like fruits, and will likewise readily hybridize with S. candidum.</p> <p>Solanum candidum is presumed to be native to the temperate Andean regions of Colombia, Peru and Chile. Like the cocona, naranjilla, and Indian nightshade, S. candidium can bear fruit within 1 or 2 years from seed. A short-lived perennial, fruit production requires a rather long growing season, which limits its agricultural potential in more temperate climates. Like the naranjilla and cocona, S. candidum is best adapted to subtropical cloud forest climates, where frost is unknown, but extreme heat is likewise very rare or unknown. The fruits are round berries, covered in persistent fur even when ripe, to 2 cm in size, which ripen to yellow or red.</p>
V 124 (5 S)
Fuzzyfruit nightshade seeds (Solanum candidum)
Small Red Cocona Seeds...

Small Red Cocona Seeds...

Price €2.35 (SKU: V 132)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Small Red Cocona Seeds (Solanum sessiliflorum)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 5 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>A cultivar of Solanum sessiliflorum with tasty, small, brownish red fruits that is popular in the Amazon lowlands of Colombia and Peru for juicing and sauces.</p> <p>Solanum sessiliflorum, the cocona, is a tropical shrub of the family Solanaceae. The cocona plant has sturdy branches and huge, serrate and hairy leaves. Cocona closely resembles a number of close relatives, including naranjilla and pseudolulo. It can be distinguished from those plants by its lack of spines. It will hybridize with those and other close relatives. Cocona also lacks the characteristic purple coloring usually seen in the naranjilla. Its flowers resemble large potato flowers, with light green petals. Cocona is harvested in parts of South America around the Amazon rainforest such as Purús Province in eastern Peru.</p> <p>The fruit of cocona is a red, orange, or yellow edible berry. Cocona is native to the Andean region of South America, where it is occasionally cultivated for human consumption.</p> <p>Cocona can also be grown as an indoor ornamental plant in temperate climates, but it seems to be quite sensitive to spider mites, so care should be taken not to keep it in too dry air during winter. Like the naranjilla, coconas are highly sensitive to aphids and nematodes. As subtropical plants, they can endure cool weather but will be killed or severely damaged by frost. During summer, it can be grown outside or in a cold greenhouse. When grown from seed, coconas can bear fruit in as little as 9 months, or as long as 24.</p> <p>Solanum georgicum and Solanum hyporhodium were (and sometimes still are) included in this species, but they are generally treated as distinct today.</p>
V 132 (5 S)
Small Red Cocona Seeds (Solanum sessiliflorum)
Japanese snake gourd seeds...

Japanese snake gourd seeds...

Price €2.45 (SKU: VG 32)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Japanese snake gourd seeds (Trichosanthes pilosa)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for Package of 5 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>A climbing plant in the pumpkin family with thin shoots, lobed leaves, and white flowers with frilly edges, followed by round, bright red fruits that hold seeds coated in slimy black mucus. Trichosanthes pilosa is widespread from the Himalayas to tropical eastern Asia to 1300 m. The roasted seeds are a popular snack in parts of Asia.</p> <p>Japanese snake gourd is a perennial, climbing plant producing stems that can sprawl over the ground or climb into other plants for support, attaching themselves by means of tendrils.<br />The plant is cultivated, especially in China, for its edible fruit and root, and also for traditional medicinal purposes</p> <p>Cultivation Details<br />Requires rich well-drained soil and plenty of moisture in the growing season.</p> <p>Edible Uses<br />An edible starch is obtained from the root.<br />The immature fruit is preserved in salt. The mature fruit is about 7cm long.</p> <p>Medicinal<br />Yields the protein hetero-trichosanthin, with 1.7 times the abortifacient activity of trichosanthin from the related species T. Kirilowii.</p> <p>Diuretic<br />The root is anodyne, antiphlogistic, blood purifier, depurative, febrifuge, and resolvent. It is used as a poultice or made into a decoction to treat abscesses, boils, fevers, sore throats, etc.<br />The fruit is used to treat coughs, diabetes, jaundice, etc.</p> <p>Other Uses<br />The dried fruit is rich in saponins and is used as a soap substitute.<br />An industrial starch is obtained from the root.</p> <p>Propagation<br />Seed - sow March in pots in a warm greenhouse in rich soil. Sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot and thin to the strongest plant. Grow them on fast and plant out after the last expected frosts. Give some protection, such as a frame or cloche, until the plants are growing away well.</p>
VG 32 (5 S)
Japanese snake gourd seeds (Trichosanthes pilosa)

Medicinal or spice plant

Plant resistant to cold and frost
PAPER MULBERRY Seeds 1.55 - 1

PAPER MULBERRY Seeds...

Price €1.85 (SKU: T 55)
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5/ 5
<div id="idTab1" class="rte"> <h2><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>PAPER MULBERRY Seeds (Broussonetia papyrifera)</strong></span></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Price for Package of 5 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, syn. Morus papyrifera L.) is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae. It is native to Asia, where its range includes China, Japan, Korea, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, and India. It is widely cultivated elsewhere and it grows as an introduced species in parts of Europe, the United States, and Africa. Other common names include tapa cloth tree.</p> <p><strong>Description</strong></p> <p>This species is a deciduous shrub or tree usually growing 10 to 20 meters tall, but known to reach 35 meters at times. The leaves are variable in shape, even on one individual. The blades may be lobed or unlobed, but they usually have toothed edges, lightly hairy, pale undersides, and a rough texture. They are up to about 15 to 20 centimeters long. The species is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The staminate inflorescence is a catkin up to 8 centimeters long with fuzzy male flowers. The pistillate inflorescence is a spherical head up to about 2 centimeters wide with greenish female flowers trailing long styles. The infructescence is a spherical cluster 2 to 3 centimeters wide containing many red or orange fruits. Each individual protruding fruit in the cluster is a drupe.</p> <p><strong>Uses</strong></p> <p>This plant has been cultivated in Asia and some Pacific Islands for many centuries for food, fiber, and medicine. It is a significant fiber crop in the history of paper. It was used for papermaking in China by around 100 AD. It was used to make washi in Japan by 600 AD. Washi, a Japanese handcrafted paper, is made with the inner bark, which is pounded and mixed with water to produce a paste, which is dried into sheets.</p> <p>Tapa cloth is a textile made from the inner bark in many Pacific Island nations. It was the main material for clothing in places such as Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Tahiti until recent times, and it is still worn ceremonially. It is also used to make bags and bedding.</p> <p>The wood of the plant is useful for making furniture and utensils, and the roots can be used as rope.</p> <p>The fruits and cooked leaves are edible.</p> <p>The fruit, leaves, and bark have been used in systems of traditional medicine. For example, the bark and fruit of the species, known locally as jangli toot, are used as a laxative and antipyretic in rural Pakistan.</p> <p>The species is used as an ornamental plant. It tolerates disturbance and air pollution, so it has been useful as a landscaping plant on roadsides. It is a pioneer species that easily fills forest clearings, and it has been considered for reforestation efforts. It grows well in many climate types.</p> <p><strong>Impacts</strong></p> <p>The ability of the plant to readily colonize available habitat, particularly disturbed areas, has helped it become an invasive species in some regions. It spreads rapidly when male and female individuals grow together and seeds are produced. Seed dispersal is accomplished by animals that eat the fruits, and the plants can form wide, dense stands via their spreading root systems.</p> <p>This is considered to be one of the worst weeds in Pakistan, one of the most significant invasive plants on the Pampas in Argentina, and a dominant invasive in the forests of Uganda.</p> <p>The pollen is allergenic. It is reportedly a main culprit of inhalant allergy in Islamabad, where the species is a very common urban weed.</p> </div>
T 55
PAPER MULBERRY Seeds 1.55 - 1
Hyssop Seeds Medicinal Plant (Hyssopus officinalis) 1.95 - 1

Hyssop 1kg Seeds (Hyssopus...

Price €270.00 (SKU: MHS 112)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Hyssop 1kg Seeds (Hyssopus officinalis)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #f80000;"><strong>Price for Package of 1.000.000 (1kg) seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>Hyssopus officinalis or hyssop is a(n) herbaceous plant of the genus Hyssopus native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and the region surrounding the Caspian Sea. Due to its properties as an antiseptic, cough reliever, and expectorant, it is commonly used as a medicinal plant.</p> <p><strong>Characteristics</strong></p> <p>Hyssop is a brightly coloured shrub or subshrub that ranges from 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in) in height. The stem is woody at the base, from which grow a number of straight branches. Its leaves are lanceolate, dark green in colour, and from 2 to 2.5 cm (0.79 to 0.98 in) long.</p> <p>During the summer, the plant produces bunches of pink, blue, or, more rarely, white fragrant flowers. These give rise to small oblong achenes.</p> <p><strong>History</strong></p> <p>A plant called hyssop has been in use since classical antiquity. Its name is a direct adaptation from the Greek ὕσσωπος (hyssopos). The Hebrew word אזוב (ezov, esov, or esob) and the Greek word ὕσσωπος probably share a common (but unknown) origin.[4] The name hyssop appears as a translation of ezov in some translations of the Bible, notably in verse 7 of Psalm 51: "Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean" (King James Bible), but researchers have suggested that the Biblical accounts refer not to the plant currently known as hyssop but rather to one of a number of different herbs, including Origanum syriacum (Syrian oregano, commonly referred to as "bible hyssop").[5][6][7] I Kings iv. 33 mentions that 'ezov' was a small plant. It was burned with the Red Heifer (Num. xix. 6) and used for purification of lepers (Lev. xiv. 4, 6, 49, 51; comp. Num. xix. 18; Ps. li. 9), and at Passover it was used to sprinkle the blood of the sacrificial lamb on the doorposts(Ex. xii. 22).</p> <p>Hyssop was also used for purgation (religious purification) in Egypt, where, according to Chaeremon the Stoic, the priests used to eat it with bread in order to purify this type of food and make it suitable for their austere diet.</p> <p><strong>Cultivation</strong></p> <p>The species as a whole is resistant to drought, and tolerant of chalky, sandy soils. It thrives in full sun and warm climates.</p> <p>Cultivars include 'Blue Flower'.</p> <p><strong>Harvest</strong></p> <p>Under optimal weather conditions, herb hyssop is harvested twice yearly, once at the end of spring and once more at the beginning of the fall. The plants are preferably harvested when flowering in order to collect the flowering tips.</p> <p>Once the stalks are cut, they are collected and dried either stacked on pallets to allow for draining or hung to dry. The actual drying process takes place in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, where the materials are mixed several times to ensure even drying. Drying herbs are kept from exposure to the sun to prevent discoloration and oxidation. The drying process takes approximately six days in its entirety. Once dried, the leaves are removed and both components, leaves and flowers, are chopped finely. The final dried product weighs a third of the initial fresh weight and can be stored for up to 18 months.</p> <p><strong>Essential oil</strong></p> <p>The essential oil includes the chemicals thujone and phenol, which give it antiseptic properties.</p> <p>Its high concentrations of thujone and chemicals that stimulate the central nervous system, including pinocamphone and cineole, can provoke epileptic reactions. The oil of hyssop can cause seizures and even low doses (2–3 drops) can cause convulsions in children.</p> <p><strong>Uses</strong></p> <p>The fresh herb is commonly used in cooking. Essence of hyssop can be obtained by steaming and is used in cooking to a lesser extent.</p> <p>The plant is commonly used by beekeepers to produce rich and aromatic honey.</p> <p>Herb hyssop leaves are used as an aromatic condiment. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste due to its tannins, and an intense minty aroma. Due to its intensity, it is used moderately in cooking. The herb is also used to flavor liqueur and is part of the official formulation of Chartreuse.</p> <p><strong>Herbal medicine</strong></p> <p>In herbal medicine, hyssop is believed to have soothing, expectorant, and cough suppressant properties. Hyssop can stimulate the gastrointestinal system.</p> <script src="//cdn.public.n1ed.com/G3OMDFLT/widgets.js"></script>
MHS 112 (1kg)
Hyssop Seeds Medicinal Plant (Hyssopus officinalis) 1.95 - 1

Plant resistant to cold and frost

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Round-headed garlic bulbs...

Round-headed garlic bulbs...

Price €2.95 (SKU: P 475 AS)
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5/ 5
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> <h2><strong>Round-headed garlic bulbs (Allium sphaerocephalon)</strong></h2> <h2><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Price for Package of 5 bulbs.</span></strong></h2> <p><i><b>Allium sphaerocephalon</b></i><span> </span>is a plant species in the<span> </span>Amaryllis family<span> </span>known as<span> </span><b>round-headed leek</b><span> </span>and also<span> </span><b>round-headed garlic</b>,<span> </span><b>ball-head onion</b>, and other variations on these names. Other names include Drumsticks, and in Germany, Kugellauch. Some publications use the alternate spelling<span> </span><i>A. sphaerocephalum</i>.<sup id="cite_ref-2" class="reference">[2]</sup><span> </span>It is a hardy<span> </span>perennial plant.</p> <p><i>Allium sphaerocephalon</i><span> </span>is found in the wild across all parts of<span> </span>Europe<span> </span>except in the northernmost countries (Ireland,<span> </span>Netherlands,<span> </span>Scandinavia, and the<span> </span>Baltic States).<sup id="cite_ref-Davies1992_3-0" class="reference">[3]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference">[4]</sup><span> </span>Its native range extends to northern<span> </span>Africa<span> </span>and to western<span> </span>Asia<span> </span>as far east as<span> </span>Iran.<sup id="cite_ref-ravenisgod_5-0" class="reference">[5]</sup><span> </span>It is also reportedly naturalised in<span> </span>New York State<span> </span>in the<span> </span>US.<sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference">[6]</sup><span> </span>In the<span> </span>UK<span> </span>it grows wild only in the<span> </span>Avon Gorge<span> </span>so is known locally as the<span> </span><b>Bristol onion</b>.<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference">[7]</sup></p> <p>The species is prized by<span> </span>gardeners<span> </span>because of its striking floral display. The spherical "head" (technically an<span> </span>umbel) is borne on a long<span> </span>scape, up to 50 cm in height, usually in July. It can contain hundreds of deep purple flowers.<sup id="cite_ref-ravenisgod_5-1" class="reference">[5]</sup></p> <p>This plant has gained the<span> </span>Royal Horticultural Society’s<span> </span>Award of Garden Merit.</p> <p><i>Allium sphaerocephalon</i><span> produces egg-shaped bulbs. Small </span>bulblets<span> are present under the outer layer of the stem (making the plant potentially </span>invasive<span> when grown in gardens). Flowers are borne on a </span>scape<span> up to 50 cm in height, in a spherical to egg-shaped </span>umbel<span>, 1–6 cm in diameter, tightly packed with many flowers crowded together. The relatively small size of the umbel relative to the height of the stem makes this one of those described as 'drumstick alliums'. Individual flowers are reddish-purple and are occasionally replaced by bulbils (again making this a potentially invasive species).</span></p> <p><span></span></p>
P 475 AS
Round-headed garlic bulbs (Allium sphaerocephalon)

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Spelt Seeds (Triticum spelta)

Spelt Seeds (Triticum spelta)

Price €2.15 (SKU: MHS 89)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Spelt Seeds (Triticum spelta)</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for a Package of 30 (1g) seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p style="margin: 0.5em 0px; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; background-color: #ffffff;"><strong>Before sowing, remove the seed coat.<br />Spelt</strong> (<em>Triticum spelta</em>), also known as <strong>dinkel wheat</strong> or <strong>hulled wheat</strong>, is a species of wheat that has been cultivated since approximately 5000 BC.</p> <p style="margin: 0.5em 0px; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; background-color: #ffffff;">Spelt was an important staple food in parts of Europe from the Bronze Age to medieval times. Now it survives as a relict crop in Central Europe and northern Spain, and it has found a new market as a health food. Spelt is sometimes considered a subspecies of the closely related species common wheat (<em>Triticum aestivum</em>), in which case its botanical name is considered to be <em>Triticum aestivum</em> subsp. <em>spelta</em>. Like common wheat, it is a hexaploid wheat, which means it has six sets of chromosomes.</p> <h2><span id="History">History</span></h2> <p>In Greek mythology spelt (ζειά [zeiá] in Greek) was a gift to the Greeks from the goddess Demeter.<sup id="cite_ref-6">[6]</sup> The earliest archaeological evidence of spelt is from the fifth millennium BC in Transcaucasia, north-east of the Black Sea, though the most abundant and best-documented archaeological evidence of spelt is in Europe.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_7-0">[7]</sup> Remains of spelt have been found in some later Neolithic sites (2500–1700 BC) in Central Europe.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_7-1">[7]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-8">[8]</sup> During the Bronze Age, spelt spread widely in central Europe. In the Iron Age (750–15 BC), spelt became a principal wheat species in southern Germany and Switzerland, and by 500 BC, it was in common use in southern Britain.<sup id="cite_ref-autogenerated1_7-2">[7]</sup></p> <p>References to the cultivation of spelt wheat in Biblical times (see matzo), in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and in ancient Greece are incorrect and result from confusion with emmer wheat.<sup id="cite_ref-9">[9]</sup> Similarly, the Ancient Roman grain denoted by the Latin word <em>far,</em> although often translated as "spelt", was in fact emmer (<em>Tr. dicoccum</em>).<sup id="cite_ref-10">[10]</sup></p> <p>In the Middle Ages, spelt was cultivated in parts of Switzerland, Tyrol, Germany, northern France and the southern Low Countries.<sup id="cite_ref-11">[11]</sup> Spelt became a major crop in Europe in the 9th century AD, possibly because it is husked, unlike other grains, and therefore more adaptable to cold climates and is more suitable for storage.<sup id="cite_ref-12">[12]</sup></p> <p>Spelt was introduced to the United States in the 1890s. In the 20th century, spelt was replaced by bread wheat in almost all areas where it was still grown. The organic farming movement revived its popularity somewhat toward the end of the century, as spelt requires less fertilizer.<sup id="cite_ref-13">[13]</sup> Since the beginning of the 21st century, spelt has become a common wheat substitute for making artisanal loaves of bread, pasta, and flakes.<sup id="cite_ref-14">[14]</sup> By 2014, the grain was popular in the UK with the crop being grown there as well as in Kazakhstan and Ukraine, with shortages reported.</p> <h2><span id="Products">Products</span></h2> <div> <div><img alt="" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/05215_Spelt_bread%2C_Sanok.JPG/220px-05215_Spelt_bread%2C_Sanok.JPG" decoding="async" width="220" height="293" srcset="//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/05215_Spelt_bread%2C_Sanok.JPG/330px-05215_Spelt_bread%2C_Sanok.JPG 1.5x, //upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/05215_Spelt_bread%2C_Sanok.JPG/440px-05215_Spelt_bread%2C_Sanok.JPG 2x" data-file-width="800" data-file-height="1067" style="border-width: 1px; border-image-width: initial;" /> <div> <div></div> Wholegrain spelt bread from Poland</div> </div> </div> <p>In Germany and Austria, spelt loaves and rolls (<em>Dinkelbrot</em>) are widely available in bakeries as is spelt flour in supermarkets. The unripe spelt grains are dried and eaten as <em>Grünkern</em> ("green grain"). In Poland, spelt breads and flour are commonly available as health foods and easy to find in bakeries.<sup>[<em><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (June 2021)">citation needed</span></em>]</sup></p> <p>Dutch <em>jenever</em> makers distill with spelt.<sup id="cite_ref-21">[21]</sup> Beer brewed from spelt is sometimes seen in Bavaria<sup id="cite_ref-22">[22]</sup> and Belgium,<sup id="cite_ref-23">[23]</sup> and spelt is distilled to make vodka in Poland.</p> <br />
MHS 89 (1 g)
Spelt Seeds (Triticum spelta)
Purple African Blue Basil...

Purple African Blue Basil...

Price €3.85 (SKU: MHS 92)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Purple African Blue Basil Seeds</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>Price for a Package of 100 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>Ocimum kilimandscharicum has a strong camphor scent, inherited from Ocimum kilimandscharicum (camphor basil), it's East African parent. The concentration of camphor is 22% (compared with 61% for O. kilimandscharicum). The concentration of the other major aroma compounds, linalool (55%), and 1,8-cineole (15%) are comparable to many basil cultivars.</p> <p>It has similarities to both Thai and sweet basil, yet has a flavor all its own. Its long, pink flowers also make a striking garnish. Although not yet widely known as a useful culinary herb, it shows potential for wider popularity. When added to a dish, it can taste like more than one herb has been used.</p> <p>The leaves of African blue basil start out purple when young, only growing green as the given leaf grows to its full size, and even then retaining purple color.</p> <p>It is also taller than many basil cultivars. These blooms are very good at attracting bees and other pollinators.</p>
MHS 92 (0.13 g)
Purple African Blue Basil Seeds

Plant resistant to cold and frost
Japanese Pittosporum, Japanese Cheesewood Seeds (Pittosporum tobira)

Japanese Pittosporum Seeds...

Price €1.95 (SKU: T 13)
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5/ 5
<h2><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Japanese Pittosporum, Mock Orange, Japanese Cheesewood Seeds (Pittosporum tobira)</strong></span></h2> <h2><span style="color: #fb0303; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Price for Package of 10 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p><span>Pittosporum tobira is a species of flowering plant in the Pittosporum family known by several common names, including Australian laurel, Japanese pittosporum, mock orange and Japanese cheesewood. It is native to Japan, China, and Korea, but it is used throughout the world as an ornamental plant in landscaping and as cut foliage.</span></p> <p><span>It is an evergreen shrub which can reach 10 m (33 ft) tall by 3 m (10 ft) broad,[2] and can become treelike. It can also be trimmed into a hedge. The leaves are oval in shape with edges that curl under and measure up to 10 cm (4 in) in length. They are leathery, hairless, and darker and shinier on the upper surfaces. The inflorescence is a cluster of fragrant flowers occurring at the ends of branches. The flower has five white petals each about a centimetre long. The fruit is a hairy, woody capsule about 1 cm wide divided into three valves. Inside are black seeds in a bed of resinous pulp.</span></p> <p><span>The binomial qualifier tobira derives from the Japanese name for the plant.</span></p> <p><span>This shrub is a common, drought-tolerant and fairly hardy landscaping plant. Many cultivars have been developed, including dwarf forms and the popular 'Variegata', which has variegated leaves. It is used for hedges, living privacy screens, and indoor and outdoor planter boxes. The stems, leaves, and dried fruits are used in flower arrangements.</span></p> <p><span>The species and the cultivar 'Variegatum' have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.</span></p> <p><span>Common pests of this plant include various aphids, mites, and leafhoppers, the cotton cushiony scale (Icerya purchasi), and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.). It can be attacked by the pit-making pittosporum scale (Planchonia arabidis). It is vulnerable to the fungal plant pathogen Erythricium salmonicolor, which causes galls and the dieback disease known as pink limb blight.</span></p>
T 13 (10 S)
Japanese Pittosporum, Japanese Cheesewood Seeds (Pittosporum tobira)

Coming Soon
Passiflora serratifolia Seeds

Passiflora serratifolia Seeds

Price €8.00 (SKU: V 250)
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5/ 5
<h2><strong>Passiflora serratifolia Seeds</strong></h2> <h2><span style="color: #ff0808;"><strong>Price for Package of 5 seeds.</strong></span></h2> <p>Passiflora serratifolia is a vigorous climbing perennial plant, attaching itself to the surrounding vegetation by means of tendrils. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as food. It is sometimes grown as ornamental.</p> <p>Passiflora species generally grow best in a sheltered, sunny position or in dappled shade. Most species are found in the wild in moist but well-drained soils, generally of a lighter texture, and will often flower and fruit more heavily if the soil fertility is low. They often develop deep roots and can be moderately tolerant of dry spells. Most Passiflora species prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil, growing best where the pH is around 6. 5 - 7.5.</p> <p>The pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten. The green to yellow, ovoid or subglobose fruits are 50 - 90mm long and 35 - 50mm in diameter.</p> <p>The leaves and roots of some, if not all, members of this genus contain a substance called 'passiflorina' which has similarities to morphine and is an effective tranquilizer. We have no specific information for this species but many species are used in herbal infusions to calm the nerves and help bring about restful sleep.<br />The leaves of many species are also considered to be anthelmintic, antihysteric, and diaphoretic. They are used in Brazil to combat intermittent fevers, cutaneous inflammations, and erysipelas.</p> <p>Propagation<br />break down the seed coat and speed up germination. Stored seed should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water and germination time can be reduced if the seed is then mixed with the juice of fresh passion fruit (of any species). Even so, it can take 12 months for the stored seeds to germinate. Place the seed tray in a shady position, maintaining a temperature around 19 - 24°c. Prick the seedlings out into individual containers as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when large enough.</p>
V 250 (5 S)
Passiflora serratifolia Seeds