Oenothera
Oenothera
Oenothera (pronunciation: /ˌiːnəˈθɪərə/), also known as evening primrose, is a genus of about 145 species of herbaceous flowering plants native to the Americas. It is a member of the family Onagraceae, which is commonly referred to as the willowherb family or evening primrose family.
Etymology
The name Oenothera is derived from the Greek words "oinos" (wine) and "thera" (hunt), possibly referring to an ancient use of the plant to flavor wine.
Description
Oenothera species are characterized by their distinctive flowers, which typically open in the evening, hence the common name "evening primrose". The flowers are usually yellow, but some species produce white, purple, pink, or red flowers. The plants have a rosette of leaves at the base, with a stem rising up to hold the flowers.
Uses
Many species of Oenothera have been used for various medicinal purposes. The seeds of some species, particularly Oenothera biennis, are a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including skin disorders, premenstrual syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Related Terms
- Onagraceae - The plant family to which Oenothera belongs.
- Oenothera biennis - A species of Oenothera commonly used for medicinal purposes.
- Gamma-linolenic acid - An essential fatty acid found in the seeds of some Oenothera species.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oenothera
- Wikipedia's article - Oenothera
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