Digitalis purpurea L Profile

Digitalis purpurea L is a biennial or perennial herb. The previous classification method included it in the Scrophulariaceae family, but Hyundai corrected it to the Plantago family based on the classification of genetic analysis. Artificially cultivated varieties of Digitalis purpurea L include white, pink, and crimson. It is often used in flower borders, flower beds and rock gardens, and can also be used for natural flower arrangements.

Digitalis purpurea L Picture

Digitalis purpurea L Morphological characteristics

Biennial or perennial herb, except for the corolla, the whole body is gray-white pubescent and glandular hairy, sometimes a few hairless stems, 60-120 cm high. The stem is solitary or several in clusters. The basal leaves are mostly rosettes, the petioles are narrowly winged, up to 15 cm in length; the leaf blades are ovoid or oblong, 5-15 cm in length, pointed or obtuse at the apex, tapered at the base, and have short-pointed round teeth on the edge , Seldom serrated; the lower part of the stem leaf is the same shape as the basal leaf, gradually smaller upward, and the petiole is short until sessile and becomes a bract.

Calyx is bell-shaped, about 1 cm long, slightly enlarged in fruit, with 5 lobes almost reaching the base; lobes oblong ovoid, apex obtuse to acute; corolla purple-red, inner surface spotted, 3-4.5 cm long, lobes very short , The tip is white pilose. The capsule is ovate, about 1.5 cm long. The seeds are short rod-shaped, with very fine pilose in addition to the honeycomb reticulation. Flowering from May to June.

Digitalis purpurea L Growth habits and distribution

Digitalis purpurea L distributes in mountainous areas at an altitude of 1200-1800 meters. It is more resistant to cold and drought, but avoids heat, and can also adapt to poor soil. Digitalis purpurea L is sun-loving and shade-tolerant and suitable for growing on moist and well-drained soil. Digitalis purpurea L is native to Europe and has sporadic cultivation in various parts of Taiwan, such as Alishan, Taipingshan, Qingjing Farm, Nantianchi, etc.

Reproduction method of Digitalis purpurea L

It is commonly used sowing propagation and seed propagation, seedling transfer cultivation and direct seeding to seed Digitalis purpurea L.

Main Use and Value of Digitalis Purpurea L

Digitalis purpurea L is suitable for potted plants. If cultivated in the greenhouse, it can bloom in early spring. Because of its tall, inflorescence and flower shape, it can be used in flower borders, flower beds, and rock gardens. It can be used as a natural flower arrangement.
Medicinal value

Digitalis is an important cardiotonic drug, which can excite the myocardium, enhance the contractility of the myocardium, improve blood circulation, or directly inhibit the intracardiac conduction system, slow down the heart rate, treat chronic congestive heart failure, and have a significant diuretic effect on cardiac edema. It can reduce swelling, but pay attention when using it.

Legend of Digitalis purpurea L

According to legend, the bad fairy gave the foxes flowers of Digitalis purpurea L and asked the foxes to put the flowers on their feet to reduce the sound of its footsteps in the Digitalis purpurea L. Therefore, Digitalis purpurea L has another name - fox gloves. In addition, Digitalis purpurea L has other aliases such as witch gloves, fox sets, fairy gloves, and bell of the dead.