Anagallis arvensisL. Scarlet Pimpernel

Anagallis arvensisL. - Scarlet Pimpernel

Scientific Description:

Stem 2.5−70(−90) cm, often branched, ascending to erect or decumbent. Leaves opposite or rarely whorled; lamina 4−19(−20) × 2.5−11 (−14) mm, ovate to oblong-ovate. Whorls 2−4-flowered. Bracts absent. Pedicels 6−30(−35) mm, subequalling or longer than subtending leaves. Calyx lobes 2.5–5.5(−6) mm, subequal, longer or shorter than corolla. Corolla 1.7−5.5 mm diam., blue or red, margin of lobes crenate-serrate.

 

var. arvensis
Corolla red, margin of lobes slightly crenate-serrate.

var. caerulea
Corolla blue, margin of lobes conspicuously crenate

 

Reference:

Leblebici E (1978). Anagallis arvensis L., In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 6: 139.

Public Description:

Anagallis arvensis var. arvensis, commonly known as “scarlet pimpernel”, “red pimpernel”, “red chickweed” or “shepherd’s clock”, grows naturally in Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. However, because it is used as an ornamental plant, it is an invasive species spread in many places of the world. It is a herbaceous annual plant with red or blue flowers and can be reach 70 cm in length. The Scarlet Pimpernel is an undesirable plant in many ways because it is harmful and toxic in many ways. Experimental studies have shown that during feeding, this plant is given to horses and dogs, causing stomach and intestinal inflammation, and when overdose is consumed it can be fatal. It has also been reported as being toxic to poultry, birds and rabbits. However, it was used as an antidepressant in ancient Greece, and to treat various mental disorders in European folk medicine.

 

References:

Anonymous (2016). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anagallis_arvensis /,Accessed date: 12.04.2016.

Coşkunçelebi K (2012). Anagallis 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. 767–771.