Common Name:

General Information

Onosma microcarpa is a biennial plant producing 1 - 4 few-branched , erect to ascending stems; it can grow 20 - 40cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Caucasus

Habitat

Sandy and rocky slopes; at elevations up to 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Biennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally require a sunny position in a well-drained soil[, ]. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam[]. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but dislikes moist climates at any time of the year[, ]. Species in this genus tend to grow well in crevices in a rock garden or on a wall[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Species in the genus Onosma L. generally have been shown to contain several medically-active compounds including alkannin and shikonin, flavonoids, ferulic and vanillic acids. A study has shown that these phytochemicals have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-pain activity and that they are also ikely to be responsible for the wound healing and antibacterial actions[].

The root is used to make an ointment to treat burns. Butter, beeswax and pine wood are cooked in a pan, then the wood is removed. The remaining mixture is then mixed with the grated root of this species and applied topically as an ointment[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer.