Lychnis

Ragged Robin ( Lychnis flos- cuculi )

Catchflies ( Lychnis ) are a genus of flowering plants in the Caryophyllaceae family ( Caryophyllaceae ). Some authors do not consider the catchflies as a separate genus, but expect the species concerned at the Leimkräutern ( Silene ).

The German genus name is derived from the strong sticky stems of ordinary Campion ( Lychnis viscaria ).

Description

Catchflies species are perennial herbaceous plants. Typical of all Pink Family is the dichasiale branching. The opposite leaves are permanent ungestiel, undivided, oblong and entire. Stipules are not available.

The inflorescences are called like Asia ( see figure). The flowers are fünfzählig. The five green sepals are fused. The five petals can have very different colors. There are ten stamens present. Are formed capsule fruits.

Ingredients

From the seeds of the ordinary Pechnelke a plant tonic is obtained, which is now approved by the Federal Biological Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. This usage goes back to earlier observations that plants grow stronger in fields near catchflies. The effect was confirmed in laboratory experiments, a Bonn researcher. It is believed that it is the active ingredient is a plant growth hormone.

Types (selection)

There are about 25 species Lychnis:

• Alpine campion ( Lychnis alpina L.)
• Burning Love ( Lychnis chalcedonica L., Syn: Silene chalcedonica (L.) EHLKrause )
• Ragged Robin ( Lychnis flos- cuculi L.)
• Jupiter campion ( Lychnis flos- jovis (L.) Desr. )
• Ordinary Campion ( Lychnis viscaria L.)

Pictures

Ordinary Pechnelke (L. viscaria ), flowers

Alpine Campion (L. alpina), top view

Burning Love ( Lychnis chalcedonica )

Crown campion ( Lychnis coronaria )

Jupiter campion ( Lychnis flos- jovis )