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Description
Symphytum Officinale, commonly known as comfrey, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has large, hairy leaves that are lance-shaped and pointed at the tip. It produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that are usually blue, pink, or white in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Symphytum |
Appearance
Symphytum Officinale has a distinctive appearance with large, coarse, and hairy leaves that are up to 25cm long. The leaves are lance-shaped and pointed at the tip, and they grow in a rosette at the base of the plant. The stem is also hairy, and it can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers that are usually blue, pink, or white in color. The roots of the plant are thick, fleshy, and black on the outside.
Care Guide
Symphytum Officinale is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:Water: Comfrey needs a lot of water to grow well, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure to water the plant deeply once a week.Fertilization: Comfrey doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer, but it benefits from a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: Comfrey prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.Sunlight: Comfrey grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Comfrey can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Comfrey is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Some common pests that can affect comfrey include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Diseases that can affect comfrey include root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Habitat
Symphytum Officinale is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. It grows in moist, shady areas such as riverbanks, meadows, and forests.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Symphytum Officinale poisonous?A: Yes, all parts of the comfrey plant contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.Q: Can comfrey be used for medicinal purposes?A: Yes, comfrey has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.Q: Can comfrey be used as a natural fertilizer?A: Yes, comfrey can be used as a natural fertilizer by making comfrey tea. This involves steeping comfrey leaves in water for several weeks and then using the resulting liquid as a fertilizer.Q: Can comfrey be grown in containers?A: Yes, comfrey can be grown in containers, but it needs a large container because the plant grows quite large.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Symphytum genus include:
- Symphytum asperum
- Symphytum caucasicum
- Symphytum grandiflorum
- Symphytum ibericum
- Symphytum officinale x asperum
References
- “Symphytum officinale.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277624&isprofile=0&. Accessed 6 Aug. 2021.
- “Comfrey.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1762/symphytum-officinale/details. Accessed 6 Aug. 2021.
- “Symphytum Officinale.” Plants For A Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Symphytum+officinale. Accessed 6 Aug. 2021.
