Herb: Whorlflower


Latin name: Morina longifolia


Family: Morinaceae



Medicinal use of Whorlflower:

The stem, leaves and flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have a sweet and astringent taste with a heating potency. They are digestive, emetic and stomachic, and are used in the treatment of stomach disorders such as indigestion giving rise to vomiting and nausea.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
June
to July


Scent:
Scented
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Open slopes and alpine shrubberies, 3000 - 4000 metres.

Other uses of Whorlflower:

The plant is used as an incense. The roots yield 0.34% essential oil.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in individual pots to minimize disturbance to the tap root. Overwinter in a well ventilated cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Plant out into their permanent positions in the summer when the plants are at least 15cm tall. Division in spring is possible but very difficult. Divided plants are often extremely slow to re-establish. It is best carried out immediately after the plant flowers. Root cuttings in individual pots in November. Plants are quick to produce foliage but slow to form roots. They are best left in pots for 12 months before planting out.

Cultivation of Whorlflower:

Open slopes and alpine shrubberies, 3000 - 4000 metres.

Known hazards of Morina longifolia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.