2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Hamedafne (lat. Chamaedaphne) - a genus of perennial plants belonging to the Heather family. Other names are hamedafna, marsh myrtle, cassandra. In nature, plants are common in both warm and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. There are especially many hamedafne in North America, China, Europe. Plants are also found on the territory of Russia, both in the European part and in Siberia. Typical habitats are sphagnum bogs and marshy woodlands.
Characteristics of culture
Hamedafne is represented by perennial evergreen branched shrubs no more than 1 m high. The plant has a characteristic superficial root system, which consists of adventitious roots. By the way, they are formed on shoots immersed in moss. The stem of the hamedaphne is straight, the young branches are pubescent.
The foliage is flat, oblong, sessile, alternate, leathery, oval or lanceolate, with curled edges. The color of the foliage is from dirty green to dark green with an admixture of a brown or even whitish shade. An interesting feature of the hamedafne foliage is the presence of rusty small scales on the surface of the foliage.
The flowers are white, bell-shaped, endowed with bracts and short pedicels, collected in racemose drooping inflorescences. Flowering occurs in late spring - early summer and lasts until the end of July. Fruits are represented by spherical, slightly flattened five-leaf capsules. Begins fruiting at the end of July.
Plant application
Hamedafne belongs to the category of poisonous plants. This is due to the content of andromedotoxin glycoside. It is found in foliage and young shoots. In large quantities, it can cause poisoning and even death. However, the plant is actively used in folk medicine in scanty amounts. It is very important to consult a doctor before use!
Hamedafne is recommended to be used as a sedative and antirheumatic agent. The plant is also famous for its analgesic properties, and externally, for example, by adding infusion to the bath, it can be used as an antiseptic. A feeling of drowsiness, increased salivation, nausea, vomiting, weakness speaks of an overdose, the intake should be discontinued, drink activated charcoal and immediately consult a doctor.
