Iberis
| Iberis | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Perennial candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Brassicaceae |
| Genus: | Iberis L. |
| Species | |
|
~50; see text |
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- This article is about the plant genus. See also Operation Candytuft.
Iberis (
/aɪˈbɪərɨs/)[1] is a genus of flowering plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It comprises herbs and subshrubs of the Old World. These species are commonly known as candytufts. The name "candytuft" is not related to candy, but derives from Candia, the former name of Iraklion on the island of Crete.
Contents |
[edit] Medicinal uses
According to the US Dispensatory (1918), the leaves, stem, and root are said to possess medicinal properties, but the seeds are most efficacious. The plant appears to have been employed by the ancients in rheumatism, gout, and other diseases.[citation needed] In large doses it is said to produce giddiness, nausea, and diarrhea, and to be useful in cardiac hypertrophy, asthma, and bronchitis in doses of from one to three grains (0.065—0.2 Gm.) of the seed.[citation needed] Currently the foliage and stalks are employed in German phytomedicine as a bitter digestive tonic, and it is used in homeopathy for nervousness and muscle soreness.[citation needed]
[edit] Species
The genus Iberis consists of about 50 species of annuals, perennials and evergreen subshrubs. Some of the more well-known are:
Iberis amara - rocket candytuft, bitter candytuft
Iberis gibraltarica - Gibraltar candytuft
Iberis sempervirens - evergreen candytuft, perennial candytuft
Iberis umbellata - globe candytuft
Iberis procumbens - dune candytuft
Iberis linifolia
Iberis ciliata
They are excellent for rock gardens, bedding and borders in full sun or light shade. Candytuft is a cold hardy, fast-growing annual with lance shaped green leaves. It reaches a height of about 12 inches with a spread of about 6 inches. Lightly trim after flowering.
[edit] Trophic connections
These plants provide nourrishment for a number of insect species of which the rare Euchloe tagis butterfly is the most striking example as it is monophagous on species in this genus.
[edit] References
- ^ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
[edit] External links
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Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article Candytuft. |
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