Xeranthemum annuum L. Common immortelle

Xeranthemum annuum L. - Common immortelle

Scientific Description:

Stems 5−60 cm. Leaves 5−50 × 1−8 mm. Capitula hemispherical-ovoid, 5−15 mm broad (excl. radiating inner phyllaries). Involucre glabrous; outer phyllaries ovate-mucronate, adpressed, uniformly hyaline or straw-coloured or with a fine median reddish-brown streak; inner c. 2 × length of disc, linear-elliptic, radiating, white to bright pink or purple, persistent ('everlasting'). Pappus scales 5, shorter than to slightly longer than achene.

 

Flowering time: June−September.

Habitat: Steppe, dry banks, dune slacks, s.l.−1950 m.

 

Reference:
Kupicha FK (1975). Xeranthemum annuum L., In: Davis PH (ed.), Flora of Turkey and the East Aegean Islands, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, 5: 604−605.

Public Description:

Xeranthemum annuum, known as “common immortelle”, is distributed in South Europe, Caucasica, Lebanon, Syria and North Iran. It is an annual plant with pinkish-purple flowers, and grows up to 60 cm in length. It blooms from June to September and is found steppe, dry banks and dune slacks. The aerial parts of this plant are a rich natural source of polyphenolic compounds with very good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

 

References:

Anonymous 1 (2016). http://www.tubives.com/index.php?sayfa=1&tax_id=5596, Accessed date: 02.02.2016.

Anonymous 2 (2016). http://www.easybloom.com/plantlibrary/plant/common-immortelle/, Accessed date: 02.02.2016.

Stankovic MS, Radojevic ID, Stefanovic OD, Topuzovic MD, Comic LR, Brankovic S (2011). Immortelle (Xeranthemum annuum L.) as a natural source of biologically active substances. EXCLI J.; 10: 230–239.

Hacıoğlu TN (2012). Xanthemum 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. 216–217.