Jacobaea leucophylla: the flower with decongestant properties

When we talk about Jacobaea Leucophylla we usually refer to a variety belonging to the dicotyledonous spermatophytes, of the Asteraceae family. The appearance is quite common, since they are ebaceae characterized by a yellow flower similar to the daisy that blooms annually and grows spontaneously without the need for special precautions. It is possible to attribute its origin to the Island of Cape Verde, from which it probably derives its name taken from the classification as S. Jago.

Alternatively, the name could be a reference to St. James, according to a more romantic and less practical legend. Jacobaea leucophylla usually develops several centimeters in height, reaching as much as 10 dm in the alpine variant. Main feature of the variety is that it is a perennial crop, which keeps its base all year round and then blooms only in spring.

The underground root consists essentially of a rhizome, while the epigeal part is erect and ascending. The basal leaves are always present, while the caulinary ones are arranged according to an alternation criterion.

Cultivation

Jacobaea Leucophylla is a decidedly resistant plant, able to easily withstand low temperatures and to grow even in the mountains when the frost develops in the mountains.

The ideal condition is to place the shrub in a slightly sheltered area, perhaps covered and protected from wind and rain so that it can develop more easily. The floral axis remains straight and erect for most of the time, until various inflorescences appear which color the structure yellow, usually in large numbers to create corymbose formations.

There are numerous species in nature, some with a more woody base and others aquatic, capable of developing in total autonomy even in conditions of high humidity.

The cultivation of the woody type is therefore quite simple and requires regular but not too abundant watering, especially in the winter period when the simultaneous presence of water and frosts could be very harmful for growth and development.

Diseases and treatments

Like many plants, Jacobaea Leucophylla is also very afraid of parasites of a fungal nature, which can cause serious diseases for the stem.

There is a tendency for this to rot at the root level, making it impossible to survive.

The advice is to keep the wood species as sheltered from humidity as possible, using special natural measures to prevent such microorganisms from undermining its health.

Curiosity

According to some experts, Jacobaea Leucophylla has discrete decongestant properties, especially as regards a delicate area such as the ocular one. For this reason it is often used in herbal medicine to create infusions to be placed directly on the area to allow it to burn out in a short time.
Its wide diffusion throughout the Mediterranean basin makes it easy to find and its frequent use even at home.