2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Cortusa (lat. Cortusa) - a small genus belonging to the Primroses family (lat. Primulaceae). It includes only four types, each of which deserves the attention of both gardeners and people who choose alternative medicine. In nature, representatives of the genus are found in the mountainous regions of European countries, most often in the south and east. Plants can often be captured in the Alps and China.
Characteristics of culture
Kortuza is represented by perennial herbaceous plants of small height, as a rule, up to 20 cm, although the peduncles rise much higher. In the process of growth, they form not too dense clumps, bearing light green heart-shaped foliage, equipped with jagged edges, as well as bell-shaped flowers collected in apical umbellate inflorescences. The flowers, in turn, have a delicate pink, white or purple color, and yellow-flowered specimens are also found.
It should be noted that some scientists do not subdivide the genus into four types, but single out only one -
cortusa Mattioli (lat. Cortusa matthioli) or, as it is also called, zarzhitsa. This species is represented by short-rhizome plants forming rosettes of pubescent leaves, and rich purple flowers, which, by the way, are formed several times per season. The situation is similar with fruits. In nature, the species in question is protected, but it can be found in abundance in Russian and European gardens, because it is not only highly decorative, but also has healing properties.
It is impossible not to note one more representative of the genus -
Siberian cortex (otherwise Yakut cortex) … This medicinal plant has gained popularity among people who are fond of traditional medicine. In nature, it can be found on rocky areas, rocks and the banks of streams in Siberia and the Far East. Outwardly, the plant looks inconspicuous, it is characterized by rounded pubescent foliage of a grayish-green color, the finest flower arrows and medium-sized reddish-purple flowers collected in umbrellas. But, despite this, this species is still loved by gardeners and flower growers of the country, because it will decorate the shady areas of the garden, where most flower cultures do not get along.
Growing features
All representatives of the genus Kortuza belong to the category of unpretentious plants. They accept shady areas with moist soil (in moderation). The culture will not tolerate commonwealth with dry, waterlogged, strongly acidic, saline and heavy clay soils. On the latter, cultivation is possible only when good drainage is laid, otherwise the plants will not even live to bloom. The sun is not his friend, but subject to regular and abundant watering, they get along well, except that the flowers are less bright.
No special care is required for the cortuse. Standard procedures are required - watering, weeding, loosening. The kortuza is winter-hardy, but when expecting a harsh snowless winter, cover the curtains with a thick layer of fallen leaves. Also, the culture requires timely transplantation and thinning, observing the optimal distance between plants, equal to 20-25 cm.
Usage
It is possible to use a cortex, as already mentioned, in gardening and in folk medicine. You can plant plants in a rocky garden or along the shady shore of an artificial or natural reservoir. In medicine, the use is more extensive. The rhizomes and foliage of the cortex contains a number of nutrients required by the human body to maintain the functioning of many vital organs and systems, as well as for the treatment of certain diseases. So, Siberian cortusa is used to eliminate inflammation of the integument and to quickly heal open wounds, as a diuretic and choleretic agent, as well as for the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including bronchitis.
