Herb latin name: Silene conoidea


Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family, Starwort Family)



Medicinal use of Silene conoidea:

The plant is said to be emollient and is used in baths or as a fumigant. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of ophthalmia.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
25 cm
(9 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
June
to July

Habitat of the herb:

A casual of waste ground in Britain.

Propagation of Silene conoidea:

Seed - sow spring in situ.

Cultivation of the herb:

A casual of waste ground in Britain.

Known hazards of Silene conoidea:

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.