Squinancywort
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Asperula
Species:
A. cynanchica
Binomial name
Asperula cynanchica

Asperula cynanchica, the squinancywort or squincywort, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. Its common name is derived from its former use as a medicinal herb to cure quinsy. It is native to much of southern and central Europe from Spain and Ireland to Russia.

In Sweden, the roots have been used as a red dyeing agent.[1]

Description and habitat

It is a perennial plant and grows in short grassland or sand dunes on calcareous soils. The flowers are small and can be either pink or white.

References

  1. A new and complete dictionary of arts and sciences: including the latest improvement and discovery and the present states of every branch of human knowledge, Volume 1. p. 32 (As section).
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