Frasera caroliniensis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Gentianales |
Family: | Gentianaceae |
Genus: | Frasera |
Species: | F. caroliniensis |
Binomial name | |
Frasera caroliniensis | |
Synonyms | |
Swertia caroliniensis(Walter) Kuntze |
Frasera caroliniensis, commonly known as American columbo or yellow gentian, is a herbaceous perennial of the gentian family Gentianaceae found in the deciduous forest of Southern Ontario and throughout the eastern and southeastern United States. [2] It was previously known as Swertia caroliniensis.
American columbo is a monocarpic perennial, meaning it flowers once after multiple seasons, and then dies. When it reaches the flowering stage, the 3 – 6 inch lanceolate leaves develop (usually in whorls of four) on a round elongated stem, and approximately 50 to 100 flowers will develop a panicle, with the fruits maturing soon after. The flowers that it produces are about 1 inch in diameter and folious (tall and "spike"-like), green to yellow with purple speckles. It is a perfect and complete flower, with four stamens and two carpels. [3] The oblong-shaped seed capsule has a brownish color and is about 1/2 inch long. The entire plant can reach heights over 2 metres (7 ft). Though it is monocarpic, the plant may live for up to 30 years before flowering. [2]
The roots of F. caroliniensis are a taproot system, with a thick and fleshy taproot, and in some Frasera species, this may be modified into a branched rhizome. The leaves of F. caroliensis are carried on stalks ("petiolate") and have a thick, waxy texture. [3]
It is also known as American calumba, American colombo, Radix colombo americanae, Frasera Walteri, Frasera canadensis, faux colomo, meadowpride, pyramid-flower, pyramid-plant, Indian lettuce, yellow gentian, and ground-century.
American columbo lives in dry upland areas, rocky woods, and areas with calcareous soil, though soil texture or other soil characteristics do not limit it. [2] The species ranges from deciduous forest regions in southern Ontario, through southern Michigan, northern Indiana, southern Illinois, southern Missouri, southeast Oklahoma, southwestern Arkansas, and northern Louisiana. [4]
Medicinal uses for American columbo have mostly been rebutted. However, it was a common belief in the early 19th century that the root of the plant might be externally used for gangrene. It was also claimed to be useful in treating jaundice, scurvy, gout, and rabies. [3]
The dried root, which was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1880, is used as a simple tonic. [5]
Frasera caroliniensis is chiefly known as an occasional substitute for calumba root, or Jateorhiza palmata , a native of Mozambique. [6]
Several tree species are associated with F. caroliniensis, such as sweet-gum ( Liquidambar styraciflua ), tulip tree ( Liriodendron tulipifera ) and pignut hickory ( Carya glabra ). Even more vines and understory trees are associated with this species, such as eastern redbud ( Cercis canadensis ), strawberry bush ( Euonymus americanus ), Japanese honeysuckle ( Lonicera japonica ), Virginia creeper ( Parthenocissus quinquefolia ) and poison ivy ( Toxicodendron radicans ). Herbs associated with the species include the prostrate ticktrefoil ( Desmodium rotundifolium ), Christmas fern ( Polystichum acrostichoides ) and ebony spleenwort ( Asplenium platyneuron ). The canopy of trees that are associated with this species are important for its survival, though if the canopy becomes too dense the plant may not flower as well. [2] When the plants do flower, they contain large nectaries, which aid in pollination. [7]
This species is endangered in Ontario and nationally in Canada. The most extreme limiting factor for this species is invasive plants that are heavily infesting its habitat. [8] This may be attributed to its long life cycle, which would not allow the species to adapt to rapid changes in the environment, and therefore not survive long enough to disperse its seeds. Also, this species has a "seed dormancy" (prevention of germination until optimal environmental conditions are present), that can only be broken in typical spring conditions. Furthermore, deforestation can be extremely destructive to the plants, as they rely on the canopy provided by the trees. Conservation practices to manage these issues include leaving surrounding trees within 4 square metres (43 sq ft), stimulating growth by cutting a small opening in the canopy, and draining overly flooded areas to provide clay-like soil. [4]
Gentiana is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the gentian family (Gentianaceae), the tribe Gentianeae, and the monophyletic subtribe Gentianinae. With about 400 species it is considered a large genus. They are notable for their mostly large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are often of an intense blue.
For the magazine from West Virginia see Goldenseal (magazine)
A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also widely used to distinguish plants with little or no woody growth from trees and shrubs, which are also technically perennials.
Echium vulgare, known as viper's bugloss and blueweed, is a species of flowering plant in the borage family Boraginaceae. It is native to most of Europe and western and central Asia and it occurs as an introduced species in north-eastern North America, south-western South America and the South and North Island of New Zealand. The plant root was used in ancient times as a treatment for snake or viper bites. If eaten, the plant is toxic to horses and cattle through the accumulation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the liver.
Cornus canadensis is a species of flowering plant in the dogwood family Cornaceae, native to eastern Asia and North America. Common names include Canadian dwarf cornel, Canadian bunchberry, quatre-temps, crackerberry, and creeping dogwood. Unlike its relatives, which are for the most part substantial trees and shrubs, C. canadensis is a creeping, rhizomatous perennial growing to about 20 centimetres tall.
Eryngium yuccifolium, known as rattlesnake master, button eryngo, and button snake-root, is a perennial herb of the parsley family native to the tallgrass prairies of central and eastern North America. It grows from Minnesota east to Ohio and south to Texas and Florida, including a few spots in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.
This is an alphabetical index of articles related to gardening.
Lactuca canadensis is a species of wild lettuce known by the common names Canada lettuce, Canada wild lettuce, tall lettuce, and Florida blue lettuce. Its true native range is not clear, but it is considered to be a native of the eastern and central parts of North America. It naturalized in the western part of the continent as well as in Eurasia.
Frasera, the green gentians, is a genus in the gentian family, native to North America and named for John Fraser, a Scottish botanist and colleague of Thomas Walter.
Chamaelirium is a genus of flowering plants containing the single species Chamaelirium luteum, commonly known as blazing-star, devil's bit, false unicorn, fairy wand, and helonias. It is a perennial herb native to the eastern United States. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including wet meadows and deciduous woodlands.
Frasera albomarginata is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common name desert green gentian, or desert frasera.
Frasera neglecta is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common name pine green gentian.
Frasera parryi is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common name Coahuila frasera.
Frasera speciosa is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family (Gentianaceae) known by the common names elkweed, deer's ears, and monument plant.
Frasera tubulosa is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common name Kern frasera.
Lewisia maguirei is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Montiaceae known by the common name Maguire's lewisia, or Maguire's bitterroot. It is endemic to Nevada in the United States, where it is known only from eastern Nye County.
Frasera coloradensis is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common names Colorado green gentian, or Colorado gentian, and Colorado frasera. It is endemic to Colorado in the United States, where it is limited to the southeastern corner of the state.
Frasera gypsicola is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family known by the common names Sunnyside green-gentian, Sunnyside elkweed, and Sunnyside frasera. It is native to southeastern Nevada and southwestern Utah in the United States.
Synandra is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the mint family containing the single species Synandra hispidula, which is known by the common name Guyandotte beauty. It is native to the east-central United States where it ranges from southern Illinois to western North Carolina and Virginia.
Myrica caroliniensis is a shrub or small tree native to the coast and coastal plains of southeastern North America. Its common names include bayberry, southern bayberry, pocosin bayberry, and evergreen bayberry. It sees uses in the garden and for candlemaking, as well as a medicinal plant.
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