Dianthus chinensis

Illustration of the Chinese Carnation ( Dianthus chinensis)

The Chinese Carnation ( Dianthus chinensis), Chinese石竹, Pinyin shi zhu, a species of the genus is the Carnation (Dianthus ). It comes from the northern China, Korea, Mongolia, and southeastern Russia. Garden forms ( Dianthus chinensis hybrids ) are also known under the name Elke Kaiser, Heddewigsnelke or Chinesernelke.

Description

In the Chinese Carnation is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches heights of growth of 30 to 50 cm, and 60 cm. Several branched stems form a loose Horst. The leaves are standing against green to gray, slender, 3-5 cm long and 2-4 mm wide. The basal leaves are usually already withered at flowering time, there remain the leaves on the stems.

The flowering period extends from May to June, in cultivated plants to September. The flowers are often together in pairs, as a ornamental read varieties bring up to 15 flowers in a zymösen inflorescence forth. Below the flower are four bracts that range up to half of the calyx; they are ciliated and end undressed pointed. The calyx forms a cylindrical, 1.5 to 2.5 cm long tube, the crown reaches 3-4 cm in diameter and is perforated at the edge. The color of the petals ranging from white to pink to dark red, the middle is often drawn darker. The fruit capsule is enclosed by the sepals. The black seeds are flattened, roundish.

Dissemination

The Chinese Carnation has a large distribution area in East Asia, which includes not only China, but also Korea and eastern Russia, to the north- west it still occurs in Mongolia and Kazakhstan. The Flora of China is also Europe the area of ​​distribution. The sites include grasslands, as well as sparse forests.

Use

Dianthus chinensis is often planted in gardens as an ornamental plant. Both in China and elsewhere in the temperate zone, many varieties were selected. They are usually treated as an annual or biennial plant.

The Flora of China mentioned a use for medical purposes.