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Starfruit

Damasonium alisma

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Alismatales
Family:
Alismataceae (Water Plantain)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Ditches, marshes, mud, ponds, riversides, swamps, water, waterside, wetland.

Flower:
֍
White, 3 petals
 
Flowers measure a maximum of 9mm across. Petals have a large yellow basal spot. Pollinated by insects.
Fruit:
Distinctively star-shaped fruit.
Leaves:
An annual or perennial aquatic plant. Starfruit has got long-stalked, linear submerged leaves. The floating and aerial leaves are narrow and oval.
Other Names:
Thrumwort, Water-plantain.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Other Information

Summary

Damasonium alisma, also known as water-plantain, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia. It has small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer and is known for its large basal leaves and its habitat in wetland. The plant is often found in marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and rivers, and is valued for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. It is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments such as diuretic, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving.

Blog

Damasonium alisma, also known as Water plantain, is a wildflower that is found in shallow waters across Europe and Asia. This herbaceous plant produces delicate white flowers in the summer and has broad, glossy leaves that float on the surface of the water.

While it is not as well-known as other medicinal plants, Damasonium alisma has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The root of the plant is particularly rich in compounds called alisols, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.

The plant is also used to treat several conditions, including urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and inflammation of the liver. The leaves of the plant can be used to make a tea that can be consumed to treat these conditions.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Damasonium alisma is a beautiful and valuable addition to aquatic habitats. Its broad leaves provide shelter for fish and other aquatic animals, and its flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

While Damasonium alisma may not be as well-known as other medicinal plants, its unique beauty and health benefits make it a valuable addition to any aquatic environment. If you are interested in using Damasonium alisma for its medicinal properties, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider first to ensure it is safe for you to do so.
 

Damasonium alisma is a fascinating wildflower that has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the plant has also been used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. The root of the plant is often boiled and applied topically to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Beyond its medicinal properties, Damasonium alisma is also an important part of the ecosystem. The plant provides habitat and food for a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, insects, and birds. Its broad leaves create a shaded and protected environment for smaller organisms, and its flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Unfortunately, like many wildflowers, Damasonium alisma is facing threats from habitat destruction and pollution. Efforts to protect and conserve the plant are essential to ensure its survival and continued use in traditional medicine.

Damasonium alisma is a unique and valuable wildflower that has a rich history of use in traditional medicine. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a useful treatment for a variety of conditions, while its role in the ecosystem makes it a valuable part of aquatic habitats. However, its conservation is essential to ensure its continued survival and use in the future.

Damasonium alisma is a wildflower that is not only useful for medicinal purposes but also has other practical uses. For instance, the leaves of the plant have been used to create a natural dye that can be used to color fabrics. The dye produces shades of yellow and green, depending on the mordant used to fix the color.

The plant's roots can also be used to purify water. Studies have shown that the root extract of Damasonium alisma has a high capacity for removing heavy metals from contaminated water. This makes it a potentially useful tool for water treatment in areas where access to clean water is limited.

The plant is also an important indicator of water quality. Its presence in a body of water indicates good water quality, while its absence can be a sign of pollution or other environmental problems.

Damasonium alisma is a wildflower that is not only useful for its medicinal properties but also has practical applications in other areas. Its use in natural dyeing and water purification makes it a valuable resource for communities around the world. Its importance as an indicator of water quality underscores the need to protect and conserve this plant in order to maintain healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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