Oenothera biennis

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Oenothera biennis

Oenothera biennis (pronunciation: /iːˈnɒθərə baɪˈɛnɪs/), commonly known as the evening primrose, is a species of flowering plant native to North America. It is a biennial plant, meaning it completes its lifecycle over two years.

Etymology

The genus 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. The species name biennis is Latin for "two years", reflecting the plant's biennial nature.

Description

Oenothera biennis typically grows to a height of 30-150 cm. It has lanceolate leaves that are 5-20 cm long and 1-2.5 cm wide. The flowers are hermaphrodite, with four yellow petals that are 1-2 cm long. The fruit is a capsule 2-4 cm long, containing numerous small seeds.

Uses

The plant has a variety of uses in traditional medicine. The roots, leaves, and seeds have all been used for their medicinal properties. The seeds in particular are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory and other health benefits.

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