Altai Anemone

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

Altai anemone (lat. Anemone altaica) - one of the representatives of the Anemone clan. The species belongs to a large group of plants with a long rhizome. The homeland of the Altai anemone (or, as it is also called, the Altai anemone) is considered to be broad-leaved and coniferous forests of the European part of the Russian Federation, Western and Eastern Siberia (mainly southern regions), as well as Japan.

An important point

It should be noted that all representatives of the group with a long rhizome have external similarities, among them there are also oak anemone, smooth anemone, blue anemone, Zeeman anemone, buttercup anemone, Permian anemone, shoulder anemone and others. Most of the listed species are famous for their high healing properties, and only a small part is actively used in ornamental gardening. Some representatives are listed in the Red Book of Russia or certain regions as endangered species.

Characteristics of culture

Altai anemone is represented by perennial plants endowed with a thickened creeping yellowish rhizome. The stem foliage of the species under consideration is triple-dissected, petiolate, green, with dentate and oblong lobes, whorled. Basal foliage has a place to be, but in frequent cases it is absent. The stem is smooth, fragile.

Peduncles are thin, covered with long hairs protruding in different directions, do not exceed 12-15 cm in height, small white flowers flaunt at their tips, often with a purple tint on the outer side of the petals. As a rule, flowers do not exceed 5 cm in diameter. Petals of flowers are numerous, usually up to 12 pieces, but not less than 8.

The Altai anemone blooms in late April - early May, sometimes in the second or third decade of May, which completely depends on the climate of the cultivation zone. Fruiting is active, annual, the fruits are represented by achenes, pubescent over the entire surface. Seeds are formed in huge quantities, endowed with the property of self-sowing, easily carried by the wind.

Healing properties

Altai anemone is actively used in folk medicine, but you will not find it in the official one. The plant boasts a rich composition, it contains alkaloids, flavonoids and even glycosides, and these substances, in turn, are distinguished by powerful analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Most often, a decoction from the rhizomes of the Altai anemone takes part in the treatment of diseases, the leaves and stems are used mainly as a diuretic and pain reliever.

It is important to remember that Altai anemone belongs to the category of poisonous plants, its incorrect use threatens with poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting and other unpleasant consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to take it only after consulting your doctor. In no case should it be consumed by pregnant and lactating women, people suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, especially when it comes to heart failure.

Harvesting of raw materials, namely cylindrical rhizomes, foliage and stems of the Altai anemone, is carried out only during flowering. Moreover, the work is carried out with gloves in order to exclude close contact, otherwise the manifestation of allergies, redness, irritation and itching on the skin is possible. Drying of raw materials is carried out in a well-ventilated room, drying in dryers is not prohibited, but the temperature of the dryer should not exceed 40C. The rhizomes and the aerial part are stored in a glass container, tightly closed with a lid, no more than 12 months.