Columbine/ Granny’s bonnet

Columbine

Columbine/ Granny’s bonnet

Scientific name– Aquilegia

Common name– Columbine/ Granny’s bonnet

Distribution:
This pretty and delicate flower is versatile enough to thrive nearly anywhere , from meadows to woodlands and even at higher altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Description:
This flowering perennial herb, reminds you of an eagle’s claw when you look at the flower petals. Hence, the name aquila (eagle). However, it is commonly called as columbine as an inverted flower resembles a flight of doves (‘columba’ is the Latin name for doves).

Aquilegia

The plant has a long graceful stem which is sparingly branched. The leaves have a narrower end at the base, hairy and divided into groups of three leaflets. The flowers hang downwards from a long stalk and each of the five petals terminates into an in-curved, horn-like spur. They are tubular and dilated at the other end with a nectary (a glandlike organ, located outside or within a flower, that secretes nectar).

The spider-like blooms of the flowers come in varied hues of red,yellow,white ,blue, pink and purple. Some are even bi-colored. More than the bold colors, the flowers are valued more for its exquisite shape.

Importance:
1. They are used as condiments.
2. The roots are used for the treatment of ulcers.
3. The seeds taken in wine along with saffron is good for curing jaundice and other liver related problems.
4.Their attractive foliage makes them favorites as edging plants.