Salix alba
Salix alba
Salix alba, commonly known as the white willow, is a species of willow native to Europe and western and central Asia. The name derives from the white tone to the undersides of the leaves.
Pronunciation
Salix alba: /ˈsælɪks ˈælbə/
Etymology
The genus name Salix is derived from Latin and was already used by the Romans to refer to willows. The specific epithet alba means 'white' in Latin, referring to the color of the leaves' undersides.
Description
Salix alba is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree growing up to 10–30 m tall. It has a trunk up to 1 m diameter, with a loose, open crown. The bark is grey-brown and deeply fissured in older trees. The shoots in the typical species are grey-brown to green-brown. The leaves are paler than most other willows, due to a covering of very fine, silky white hairs.
Medicinal Uses
The bark of the Salix alba tree has been used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains salicin, a compound that when ingested, is converted into salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Salix alba
- Wikipedia's article - Salix alba
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