2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Mary (lat. Chenopodium) - a relatively small genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs of the Amaranth family (Latin Amaranthaceae). Many species have nutritional and medicinal value, some are classified as weeds, moreover, unsafe for human and animal health. There are almost 30 species on the territory of Russia. Typical habitats are sandy coasts, fields, forest edges, damp sea shores, etc.
Characteristics of culture
Mary is represented by herbaceous or semi-shrub plants, the aerial part of which often has a powdery coating of white color. The foliage is usually alternate, petiolate, sometimes toothed. Flowers in the form of small tangles, without bracts, collected in paniculate or spike-shaped inflorescences. The fruits are equipped with a membranous pericarp, which is easily separated when ripe.
Common types
• Maple-leaved Mary (lat. Chenopodium acerifolium) represented by annual herbaceous plants no more than 60 cm in height, endowed with a green or reddish stem, which, in turn, is crowned with simple foliage. Flowering occurs in mid - late summer. Nowadays, the maple-leaved marsh is listed in the Red Book of Latvia as an endangered species.
• White Mary (lat. Chenopodium album) - one of the most common representatives of the genus growing on the territory of the Russian Federation. It is called a malevolent weed, although in some regions the plant is cultivated as a food crop. White Mary is represented by highly branched herbaceous plants, reaching a height of 2 m. They are characterized by another elongated foliage having an ovoid-rhombic shape.
The flowers are small, symmetrical, collected in apical spike-shaped inflorescences, which, in turn, are collected in large panicles. The flowering of the species in question is observed in mid-summer and continues until late autumn. The composition of white mari amazes the mind. It contains vitamins, essential oil, betaine, vegetable protein, carotene and other components designed to serve the benefit of human health.
The above-ground part of the plants is suitable for livestock, often white marrow is included in feed mixtures. Earlier, cereals were prepared from the seeds of white mari, however, over time it became known that, with frequent use, it negatively affects the state of the nervous and digestive systems. Nowadays, white gauze is used in alternative medicine as an effective remedy for sore throat, including sore throat, and bloating.
• Giant Mary (lat. Chenopodium giganteum) is represented by large herbaceous annuals, actively cultivated on personal household plots everywhere. It is characterized by ribbed erect stems reaching a height of 3 m. Young foliage and shoots are red or violet-red in color with a barely noticeable mealy bloom. The foliage is rich green, alternate, petiolate, triangular or rhombic in shape.
Giant mari foliage is used for food. It can easily replace the popular spinach today. It is added to vegetable salads, soups and sauces for meat and fish dishes. It is often cultivated as an ornamental crop. Its reddish-purple hue makes flower arrangements unusual and attractive, and the plant also looks great when paired with green shrubs.
Usage
As mentioned, many types of mari are suitable for food and medicinal purposes. But first, it is important to correctly recognize the species, and make sure that it does not harm your health. For example, hybrid gauze (lat. Chenopodium hybridum) is a toxic plant, it can cause poisoning. It is easy to recognize by its specific smell of dope. Another thing is white mud. It is famous for its unique composition. She is subject to the rapid cure of purulent and open wounds, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, severe cough (including those caused by bronchitis). White Mary is advised for colds, the presence of malignant tumors, constipation and other ailments.
