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Arnebia densiflora
Arnebia densiflora, (also called Macrotomia cephalotes) is a plant species belonging to the family Boraginaceae. It is native to Greece and Turkey. Arnebia densiflora has been investigated for its wound-healing abilities. EtymologyArnebia is the generic name derived from the Arabic name "shajaret el arneb". Densiflora is a Latin epithet that means "dense of flowers".[1] Synonyms
DescriptionSmall clump-forming from a robust, somewhat woody rootstock with erect, hispid, unbranched stems 25-40cm high. Basal leaves linear elliptic to narrowly lanceolate, 10-15cm long with stalks to 4cm; stem leaves smaller and sessile, velvety-hairy. Flowers are yellow, 3.5-4.5 cm long by 1.2-1.6 cm across densely planted on the ends of stems and branches. It flowers from early to late summer. All aerial parts are pubescent.[3] HabitatArnebia densiflora prefers mountain areas and places with dry and sunny rocky soils. It is native to Greece and Turkey on volcanic or limestone slopes and cliffs at 750-2600m.[3] Medicinal useArnebia densiflora has been investigated for its wound healing abilities.[4] Arnebia densiflora is one of the five species of Boraginaceae family grown in Turkey.[4] Several species of Boraginaceous plants are used as folk medicine in Turkey and eastern Mediterranean countries.[4] The pigmented root of Arnebia densiflora, known locally as ‘Eyilik,’ is added to olive oil and applied on open wounds and cuts in Anatolia.[4] In Malatya, roots of Arnebia densiflora are dipped in butter.[4] After removing the root pieces the butter is mixed with beeswax to prepare an ointment for open wounds.[4] Roots of Arnebia densiflora are also used as a natural-dye to color Anatolian carpets.[4] The medicinal effect might have to do with the high naphthoquinone content in the roots barks.[4] TaxonomyArnebia densiflora was first described by Carl Friedrich von Ledebour.[5] It was first published in Flora Rossica Enumeratio sive Plantarum in Totivs Imperii Rossici Provinciis europaeis, Asiaticis, et americanis Hucusque Observatarum 3 (1.8): 140. 1847 [3] References
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