NIGELLAL. - DEVIL-IN-THE-BUSH
Scientific Description:
Annuals with 1−3-pinnatisect leaves, the upper sometimes trisect or entire. Flowers subtended by an involucre of leaves, or naked. Perianth biseriate; outer segments (sepals) 5, often petaloid, deciduous in fruit; inner segments (petals) 5−10, stalked, nectariferous, with a 2-lipped limb, the lower (outer) lip bilobed or bifid. Follicles partially or completely united to form a capsule; styles persistent, long or short.
Reference:
Davis PH (1965). Nigella L., In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 1: 98.
Public Description:
Nigella, commonly known as “devil-in-the-bush”, are annual plants, and native to southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. There are approximately 18 species in the world and 13 species (21 taxa) in Türkiye. The seeds of Nigella are used as a carminative and stimulant to ease bowel and indigestion problems, and are given to treat intestinal worms, and induce sweating. It is also used to repel some insects.
References:
Anonymous 1 (2016). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigella /,Accessed date: 05.05.2016.
Anonymous 2 (2016). https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/search/?q=nigella / ,Accessed date: 05.05.2016.
Anonymous 3 (2016). http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Ranunculaceae/Nigella/ /,Accessed date: 05.05.2016.
Doğan Güner E (2012). Nigella L., In: Güner, A., Aslan, S., Ekim, T., Vural, M. & Babaç, M.T. (eds.), Türkiye Bitkileri Listesi (Damarlı Bitkiler). Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanik Bahçesi ve Flora Araştırmaları Derneği Yayını. İstanbul, pp. 779−780.
