Saxifrage Mossy

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

Saxifrage mossy (Latin Saxifraga bryoides) - long-term decorative culture; a representative of the genus Saxifrage of the Saxifragaceae family. Occurs in the mountains, on rocky areas and rocks of Europe. The species is used not only in landscape design, but also in folk medicine.

Characteristics of culture

Bryophyte saxifrage is represented by perennial herbaceous plants of small height (usually less than 10 cm), forming a loose dark green carpet. Leaves are oblong, rough to the touch, numerous, up to 7 mm long, forming small rosettes.

Above the rosettes of leaves on glandular-pubescent peduncles up to 6 cm long, inflorescences rise, collected from yellowish-white with reddish specks, slightly oblong flowers, equipped with a large pistil containing two carpels, fused at the base.

Fruits are egg-shaped capsules. The flower buds are spherical, medium in size. Relatively winter-hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. It grows without problems even in poor areas, freely breaks through the stones. The mossy saxifrage propagates by seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush, in fact, like other representatives of the genus.

It has several varieties, of which the most common are:

* Sprite (Fairy) - the variety is represented by small plants with bright red flowers;

* Red Admiral (Red Admiral) - the variety is represented by small plants with crimson flowers;

* Elf (Elf) - the variety is represented by undersized plants with pink flowers.

Growing features

Saxifrage mossy refers to plants that prefer diffused light. It can also grow in the open sun, only in such conditions it needs more careful care and frequent watering. The species under consideration is plastic to soil conditions, although it develops better on moist, loose, medium-fertile soils with a neutral or slightly acidic pH reaction. Otherwise, bryophyte saxifrage is not demanding, it has a negative attitude towards excessive waterlogging and dryness.

It tolerates frost easily, shelter is not necessary, but it would not hurt young plants to provide it. The flower buds of the saxifrage mossy lays in July, before the onset of frost, sepals, ovary and stamens have time to form in them. With the arrival of spring and the first rays of the sun, the flowers begin to bloom. With their color, they attract bumblebees and butterflies, which are plant pollinators.

Application in traditional medicine

It has been proven that bryophyte saxifrage has strong healing properties. They are distinguished by antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-febrile, anti-hemorrhoidal and bactericidal action. The leaves of the bryophyte saxifrage are rich in organic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, coumarins, fatty and triterpenic acids, glycosides, essential oils, pigments, vitamins and microelements.

The juice of saxifrage leaves is effective for otitis media; for this, it is enough to moisten a cotton pad or bandage in fresh juice and insert it into the ear for a few minutes. It is also recommended to use the juice as a lotion against boils, suppurations and other problems. It can also be used for frostbite of the extremities. Leaf juice is often advised for bronchial asthma and diseases of the nervous system.

Tinctures and decoctions of the leaves are effective for infections of various kinds, vomiting and vomiting and fever. They can also be used in the complex treatment of diseases of the urinary system and kidneys. Ulcers, rashes, suppurations on the skin heal faster when using lotions from the juice of the leaves.

Healing teas, tinctures and decoctions from saxifrage leaves are not recommended for use during pregnancy, lactation, as well as in the presence of bradycardia and thrombosis. You can start using it only after consulting your doctor. Do not exceed the dose, as dermatitis may occur.