Hamamelis

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Hamamelis

Hamamelis (pronunciation: /hæməˈmiːlɪs/), commonly known as Witch Hazel, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, native to North America, Japan, and China.

Etymology

The name Hamamelis is derived from the Greek words hama meaning "at the same time" and mēlon meaning "fruit". This refers to the simultaneous occurrence of flowers with the maturing fruit from the previous year.

Description

Hamamelis species are deciduous shrubs or (rarely) small trees. They are characterized by their clusters of rich yellow to orange-red flowers which have slender petals. The fruit is a two-part capsule containing a single glossy black seed in each of the two parts; the capsule splits explosively at maturity in the autumn about 8 months after flowering, ejecting the seeds with sufficient force to fly for distances of up to 10 m, thus another common name "Snapping Hazel".

Medicinal Uses

The bark and leaves of Hamamelis are used in traditional medicine. They are known to have astringent properties and are used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The plant's extract, Witch Hazel water, is commonly used as a topical astringent in skincare.

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