Maianthemum

Branched inflorescence of Maianthemum racemosum.

The shade flowers or shade flowers ( Maianthemum ) are a genus of the family of asparagus plants ( Asparagaceae ).

System

Originally, the genus, the significant similarities with the lilies of the valley (Convallaria ) and the White Wurzen ( Polygonatum ) shows, from only three species ( M. bifolium, M. canadense and M. dilatatum ). However, genetic studies showed such a strong resemblance to the plant species of the genus Smilacina ( in German "wrong Solomon's seal " or also " Shadow Flower " ) that many authors have combined the two genera under the name Maianthemum. This genus now consists of 30 to 35 species. Other authors they continue to divide based on morphological differences and geographical distribution.

Originally, the genus like many others the lily family ( Liliaceae ) has been allocated. Later, it was placed in the Lily of the Valley plants ( Convallariaceae ), which now in turn by many authors in the butcher's broom plants ( Ruscaceae ) are incorporated and with them in the subfamily Nolinoideae the asparagus plants ( Asparagaceae ).

Description

These are perennial herbaceous plants that grow with an underground rhizome. For this grow unbranched, erect stems. These erect stems are two to fifteen alternate between high leaves that are oval in most species.

The usually many-flowered paniculate or racemose inflorescences are terminal. The flowers have ( Maianthemum s.str. ) An unfolded perianth of six ( Smilacina ) or four white bloom cladding. The flowers have a diameter of a few millimeters. All types have red berries.

Distribution and habitat requirements

The three species of the original genus Maianthemum grow in the cooler temperate regions of North America and Eurasia. The species of the genus original Smilacina in the temperate to subtropical areas of North America and East Asia.

Most species migrate moist, shady places before in dense forests and valleys.

European Species

In Europe, only one species is found wild:

• Lesser Shadow Flower ( Maianthemum bifolium )

Other species are, however, sometimes used as ornamental plants.

Ethnobotany

The Indian tribes of Ojibwa and Potawatomi use the North American species, Maianthemum canadense as an analgesic and for the treatment of kidney and throat. The species Maianthemum dilatatum, Maianthemum racemosum Maianthemum and stellate from the same continent were or are used as medicinal plants and their fruits as food.

In Nepal, an root preparation of Maianthemum fuscum is applied for bone fractures, and the leaves of Maianthemum purpureum be eaten as a vegetable.

Sources and links

• Cheers Gordon (ed.): Botanica. . Random House Australia 2003 German edition: Tandem Verlag GmbH 2003, ISBN 3-8331-1600-5.
• Werner Rothmaler: Exkursionsflora the territories of the GDR and the FRG. Volume 2: vascular plants, 14th edition. Volk und Wissen, Berlin 1988, ISBN 3-060-12539-2
• Flora of China - Maianthemum.
• Flora of North America - Maianthemum.
• Narayan Manandhar P: Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, 2002. ISBN 0-88192-527-6. Pp. 306-307.

• Nolinoideen