Alkanna tinctoria Alkanet (Boraginaceae)

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Alkanna tinctoria
Alkanet
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The Alkanna tinctoria plant species is found in S. Europe. It is a member of the Boraginaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Alkanet. Some home gardeners know the variety as Anchusa tinctoria.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Alkanna tinctoria
Common Name:  Alkanet
Family:  Boraginaceae
Author:  (L.)Taush.

Known Hazards:  Many members of this plant family contain a liver-damaging alkaloid and so internal usage is inadvisable[238].

Mature Height:  0.2   Mature Width:  0.25

Habitat:  Maritime sands, uncultivated ground[45], calcareous soils[89] and pine forests[238].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a well-drained sandy or loamy soil[1] in sun or partial shade[238]. Dislikes acid soils[1] but thrives in alkaline soils[238]. A very drought tolerant plant when established[200], succeeding in a hot dry position[187], it is a useful plant for dry sandy or alkaline soils[238]. Plants are hardy to about -10°c[187]. This species is occasionally cultivated as a dye plant[61]. One report says that it is cultivated for its seed[46].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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