Lepidium sativum
Lepidium sativum
Lepidium sativum, also known as garden cress, is a fast-growing, edible herb that is botanically related to watercress and mustard, sharing their peppery, tangy flavor and aroma. It is a member of the family Brassicaceae and is native to the regions of the Middle East and India.
Pronunciation
Lepidium sativum: /lɛˈpɪdiəm səˈtaɪvəm/
Etymology
The genus name Lepidium is derived from the Greek word 'lepis', meaning scale, referring to the shape of the seed pods. The species name sativum is Latin for 'cultivated', indicating that the plant has been grown for human use for many centuries.
Description
Lepidium sativum is an annual plant with a height of up to 50 cm. The leaves are pinnately divided and the white or pink flowers are clustered in racemes. The seeds are small, round, and peppery in flavor.
Uses
Lepidium sativum is cultivated worldwide as a salad crop and is also used in traditional medicine. The seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions. The leaves and stems are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as several essential minerals.
Related Terms
- Brassicaceae: The plant family to which Lepidium sativum belongs.
- Ayurveda: The traditional Hindu system of medicine, which uses diet, herbal treatment, and yogic breathing.
- Raceme: A type of flower cluster with the separate flowers attached by short equal stalks at equal distances along a central stem.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lepidium sativum
- Wikipedia's article - Lepidium sativum
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