Asarum

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Asarum

Asarum (pronounced as-uh-rum) is a genus of plants in the birthwort family Aristolochiaceae, commonly known as wild ginger.

Etymology

The name Asarum is derived from the Greek word 'asaroun'. The term was used by Dioscorides, a Greek physician, to refer to a plant that was used medicinally in ancient times.

Description

Asarum is a genus of low-growing herbs that are distributed across the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. The plants are characterized by their kidney-shaped leaves and solitary bell-shaped flowers which bloom close to the ground. The flowers are usually brown or reddish-brown in color.

Species

There are approximately 85 to 100 species of Asarum, including Asarum europaeum (European wild ginger), Asarum canadense (Canadian wild ginger), and Asarum caudatum (British Columbia wild ginger).

Uses

Asarum species are often used as ground cover in shady areas. Some species, such as Asarum europaeum, are used in traditional medicine for their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Related Terms

  • Aristolochiaceae: The birthwort family of plants, to which Asarum belongs.
  • Rhizome: A type of stem that grows horizontally underground. Asarum plants spread through their rhizomes.
  • Ground cover: Plants that spread across the ground but do not grow tall. Asarum species are often used as ground cover.

External links

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