Summary
Borage , a captivating herbaceous plant with arich story , is often sought after for its culinary and medicinal holding . However , accurately identifyingthis industrial plant can be a daunting task for the uninitiate . Thiscomprehensive guidewill fit out you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently place borage plant , empowering you to harness their benefits .
Physical Characteristics
Stems and Leaves
Borago officinalis plants possess sturdy , hollow stemsthat canreach heightsof up to 3 understructure . Their leaf are alternate , ovate - determine , and cut through withcoarse hairs . The leaves are a deep green color and have a distinctive cucumber vine - like olfactory property when crushed .
Flowers
The moststriking featureof borage is its wiz - shaped , vibrant blue flowers . These peak are borne in cluster at the end of the stem and peak from spring to summertime . Eachflower consistsof five petals with distinctive black anther .
Seeds
Borage seed are modest , black , and kidney - mould . They are contained within the fruit , which is a gruelling , briery nutlet .
Habitat and Distribution
Borage is aboriginal to theMediterranean regionbut has now naturalize in many parts of the world . It prefers well - drained soilsand full sunlight topartial shadowiness . It can be found in field , hayfield , and gardens .
Culinary Uses
tailwort flowers have adelicate cucumber flavorand are often used as a garnish in salads , soups , and beverage . The leaves can also beeaten rawor cooked and have a slightly astringent preference .
Medicinal Properties
Borage has been traditionally used for its medicinal property . It contain da Gamma - linolenic acid ( GLA ) , which has anti - inflammatory andantioxidant effects . Borage oil , extract from the ejaculate , is often used to treat skin circumstance , PMS , and other health business .
Similar Plants
Severalplants resemble Borago officinalis , admit :
How to Identify Borage Plant: A Step-by-Step Guide
1 . Observe the stems : Look for hollow , hairy stems.2 . canvas the leaves : Note thealternate arrangement , ovate shape , andcoarse hairson the leaves.3 . break the flowers : Look for virtuoso - mold , risque flowerswith sinister anthers.4 . moot the home ground : Borage is found in well - drained soilsandfull sunto partial shade.5 . Smell the leave : Crush a leaf and inspire the cucumber vine - like scent.6 . Check the seed : If you ascertain aprickly nutletcontaining black-market , kidney - shaped seeds , you have probably identified borage.7 . rein outsimilar plant : Compare the flora ’s characteristics to those of comfrey , alkanet , and viper ’s bugloss to get rid of confusion .
Tips for Accurate Identification
Beyond Identification: Harvesting and Using Borage
Once you havesuccessfully distinguish tailwort , you’re able to enjoy its culinary and medicinal welfare .
