From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fumaria officinalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Ranunculales
Family:	Fumariaceae
Genus:	Fumaria
Species:	F. officinalis
Binomial name
Fumaria officinalis L.

Fumaria officinalis (Common Fumitory or Earth smoke) is the most common species of the genus Fumaria in Western and Central Europe. It is an herbaceous annual plant, which grows erect, with stalks about 10 to 50 cm long. The fruit is an achene. It contains alkaloids, potassium salts, and tannins. It is also a major source of fumaric acid. The "smoky" or "fumy" origin of its name is uncertain.

Herbalism

It was traditionally thought to be good for the eyes, and to remove skin blemishes. In modern times herbalists use it to treat skin diseases, and conjunctivitis; as well as to cleanse the kidneys. However, Howard (1987) warns that fumitory is poisonous and should only be used "under the direction of a medical herbalist."^[1]

References

1. ^ Howard, Michael. Traditional Folk Remedies (century, 1987). pp142-3.

From Wikispecies

Fumaria officinalis

Taxonavigation

Classification System: APG II (down to family level)

Main Page
Cladus: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiospermae
Cladus: Eudicots
Ordo: Unassigned Eudicots
Ordo: Ranunculales
Familia: Papaveraceae
Subfamilia: Fumarioideae
Tribus: Fumarieae
Genus: Fumaria
Species: Fumaria officinalis
Subspecies: F. o. subsp. cilicia - F. o. subsp. officinalis - F. o. subsp. ragusina - F. o. subsp. wirtgenii

Name

Fumaria officinalis L., , Sp. Pl. 700. 1753.

Vernacular names

References

Carolus Linneaus, Species Plantarum 2 1753