Alkanet, Alkanna

Alkanna tinctoria

Physical Characteristics

Alkanna tinctoria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Colouring Used as a vegetable[177]. No further details are given. A red dye obtained from the roots is used as a food colouring[238].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antidiarrhoeal Antipruritic Astringent Demulcent Expectorant Vulnerary The root is antibacterial, antipruritic, astringent and vulnerary[238].It is used externally in the treatment of varicose veins, indolent ulcers, bed sores and itching rashes[238]. Used internally to treat cough and bronchial catarrh (see known hazards above). Used in the treatment of skin wounds and diarrhoea [301].The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[238]. All plant parts are demulcent and expectorant [301].

Known Hazards

Hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity) and carcinogenicity [301]. Many members of this plant family contain a liver-damaging alkaloid and so internal usage is inadvisable[238].