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].

General Uses: A red dye is obtained from the roots[57, 89, 171], it is used by pharmacists as well as in perfumes and to stain wood or marble[100, 238]. The dye is also used in thermometers[100] and as a litmus to test for acids and alkalines[148]. It can make wood look like rosewood or mahogany[4, 148].

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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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