Wrestler, Or Aconite Nape

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

Wrestler, or Aconite napellus (lat. Aconitum napellus) - herbaceous perennial from

genus Aconite (lat. Aconite)belonging to

family Buttercup (lat. Ranunculaceae) … Its plant tissues are impregnated with poisons that are very dangerous for the human body, which does not stop gardeners, among whom this species of the genus Aconite is very popular, delighting with its power and picturesque leaves and bright inflorescences. Therefore, Aconite napellus can often be found in summer cottages, where it can grow in splendid isolation in the center or on the side of a green lawn, or create the background of a mixborder. Fans of a spectacular plant should be aware of its insidious abilities, resorting to protective equipment when communicating with the plant while caring for it.

Variety of names

The popular Aconite nodule has acquired many popular names.

In addition to the official Latin name "Aconitum napellus", the specific epithet of which reflects the appearance of the root system of a plant, consisting of tuberous roots, people tend to show other features of the external appearance of a handsome plant. So, the structure of its flowers with a helmet-like upper petal is associated among European people who remember history with medieval monks who hid their pale faces behind a deep black hood. Hence the English-language name of the plant - "monkshood" ("monk's hood"), as well as the Russian sound of the species epithet "klobuchkovy".

The poisonous abilities of the plant are expressed by such names as: "Tsar-potion", "Wolf root", "Wolfsbane" ("Wolf's death", since in the old days people used the poison of the plant in the fight against wolves, stuffing edible baits for wolves with parts of Aconite, or smearing hunting arrows with poison). Although all parts of Aconite demonstrate toxicity, the highest concentration of toxic substances is observed in the roots and seeds of the plant, which should not be forgotten by gardeners.

Description

The branched root system of Aconite nodule forms tubers in which the plant accumulates reserves of substances to feed a powerful perennial plant, as well as poisonous substances that protect Aconite from vital enemies.

An erect, strong, herbaceous stem rises from the roots to the surface of the earth, from which leafy rigid stems extend. The leaves of Aconite napellus are dark green in color, and the leaf blade is deeply divided into five to seven lobes, the edge of which is decorated with denticles. Such foliage gives the poisonous plant a graceful, delicate, attractive appearance.

A special charm to Aconite nodule is given by dense, large inflorescences located on the tops of rigid stems surrounded by openwork foliage. The inflorescences are formed by traditional helmet-shaped flowers, and their intricate petal sepals in the amount of five (5) pieces are colored in a deep purple color, noble and pleasing to the eye. There are varieties of Aconite nodule with white or purple-white inflorescences. It is logical that gardeners could not indifferently walk past such a spectacular creation of the plant world, leaving a place for a poisonous plant on their land plots. Many different varieties of decorative nodule Aconites have been bred, differing in the size of the flowers, the shape of the inflorescences (loose panicles or dense brushes).

The multi-seeded fruits complete the plant's growing cycle.

Usage

Aconite klobuchkovy is very popular among gardeners who willingly decorate their territories and flower gardens with a picturesque herbaceous perennial, powerful and bright, which does not prevent the plant from demonstrating grace and special charm.

The plant prefers moist soils, and therefore will be appropriate near any body of water. It does not require much attention and meticulous care, saving the gardener's time and effort. Aconite napellus can easily cope with potential enemies of the plant world on its own, without requiring additional care.

Poisonous substances of roots and seeds are actively used by traditional healers in the fight against a number of human ailments. After all, any poison, with the correct dosage, is transformed into a drug.