Who Said Herbaceous Plants Aren't Pretty? The Villus thapsia it produces inflorescences of a magnificent yellow color that you want to grow in the garden or in a pot. The most interesting thing of all is that it is very, very easy to care for.
So why not meet her? It sure will surprise you 🙂.
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is a perennial herb native to Africa and Europe. Its scientific name is Villus thapsia, but popularly it is known more as cañareja, cañaleja, croca, pancierva, zumillo or repontigo. It is a perennial herb that reaches 1 meter in height, with a glabrous and branchy stem at the top, with fibrous remains of aged leaves at the base.. The basal leaves are pinnatisect, very divided and hairy on both sides; the caulinares can be either pinnatisect or reduced to sheath.
The flowers are grouped in inflorescences that take the shape of a compound and spherical umbel. They are yellow, hermaphroditic, and appear in summer. The fruit measures 10-15mm, and has a laminar expansion wing.
Its root, which is napiform, when cut expels a white latex.
What uses does it have?
It can be used as an ornamental, both to have in a pot and in the garden. However, it has other uses as long as you consult a doctor beforehand since, although has purgative and emetic properties, in high doses it is toxic. In addition, the bark of the root, bathed in oil, is applied to combat rheumatism in the form of a poultice.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy of Villus thapsia, we recommend that you provide the following care:
- Location: outside, in full sun.
- Earth:
- Pot: universal growing substrate.
- Garden: it is indifferent as long as it has good drainage.
- Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer, and every 6 days the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: there's no need.
- Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
- Rusticity: withstands cold and frosts down to -6ºC.
Have you heard of this plant?