Draba (Krupka)

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Draba (lat. Draba) - a relatively numerous genus of cushion herbaceous plants belonging to the Cruciferous or Cabbage family. The genus includes according to most sources - 270 species, according to others - 400 species. Most of the members of the genus are highly ornamental plants designed to ennoble the garden, some species are classified as medicinal plants, and some are considered weeds. Another name of the genus is Krupka, it is under this name that the representatives of the genus are familiar to gardeners and flower growers.

General characteristics of culture

The genus Draba is represented by herbaceous low-growing pillow-like plants bearing medium-sized foliage, collected in basal rosettes and pubescent over the entire surface. Peduncles in most species are weakly leafy or leafless, do not exceed 4-5 cm in height, they bear small flowers of white or yellow color, collected in racemose inflorescences. The fruits are shaped like oval or ovoid pods. In nature, most of the representatives of the genus are found in the countries of the Caucasus, some in Primorye and the Far East.

Common types

Draba evergreen (lat. Draba aizoides) - the species is represented by low-growing plants up to 8-10 cm in height, forming rich green dense bushes in the process of growth, above which racemose inflorescences of bright yellow color flaunt. The species belongs to early flowering, its first flowers are formed in early - mid-spring. Krupka evergreen is an unpretentious plant, it develops well even on poor soils, however, it does not accept acidic soils. The location prefers sunny, but the light shade does not bother her.

Draba alpine (lat. Draba alpina) - the species is represented by herbaceous plants, forming thick pads in the process of growth, topped with pubescent broad foliage. In height, this species does not exceed 15-20 cm, outwardly it is similar to the drab evergreen. Decorates the garden with bright yellow racemose inflorescences that bloom closer to the beginning of summer, usually in June. The species is relatively whimsical, it needs semi-shaded areas with diffused light with fertile, well-moisturized soil. Does not tolerate waterlogged, acidic and waterlogged soils.

Fladnisian groats (lat. Draba fladnisensis) - the species is represented by undersized turf bushes, crowned with linear-lanceolate pointed foliage, equipped with cilia and rare pubescence. The flowers of the species under consideration are milky, less often pure white, relatively large (compared to other species), collected in several pieces in racemose inflorescences. Blooms in late spring - early summer.

Mossy drab (lat. Draba imbricata) - a native of the Caucasus. It differs from other species in its diminutiveness, it is often used to decorate alpine slides and rocky gardens. Bears low stems, covered with fine foliage. The flowers are yellow, bloom in late spring, usually in the second decade of May. The species boasts high winter-hardy properties, but it does not tolerate community with waterlogged and damp areas. It is a sun-loving species, but it needs regular moisture.

Application

Most of the common species belonging to the genus Draba (or Krupka) are actively used in gardening gardens. Plants are especially often used to create alpine slides. Some species are used in folk medicine, because their foliage, stems and fruits contain a huge amount of healing substances designed to eliminate many ailments of mankind.

For example, the aerial part of the oak grove contains a large number of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. The infusion of the plant is used internally as a diuretic and hemostatic agent. It is also famous for its good expectorant properties, therefore it is recommended for diseases of the respiratory system. Often, an infusion of oak tree dredge is advised for diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys.