Arnebia euchroma

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Arnebia euchroma is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Open slopes and rocks, only in the drier areas of the Himalayas, 3300 - 4500 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to C. Nepal.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is antipyretic, cancer, contraceptive, emollient and vulnerary. It is used in the treatment of measles, mild constipation, burns, frostbite, eczema, dermatitis etc. Experimentally it has shown contraceptive action on rats, inhibiting oestrus, the fertility rate and the release of pituitary gonadotrophin hormone and chorion gonadotrophin hormone. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells on the chorion membrane. The root contains shikonin, an antitumour and bactericidal compound. It inhibits the growth of E. coli, Bacillus typhi, B. dysenteriae, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus. Shikonin also promotes the healing of wounds on topical application.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Contraceptive: Prevents fertilization occurring in females.

Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

The root contains a copious purple dye.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained gritty soil and a sunny position in the rock garden or on a dry wall.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 8 weeks at 20°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. It is best to harvest the seed when it is slightly under-ripe, since it is quickly dispersed when ripe. Cuttings with a heel in the autumn in sand in a cold frame. Root cuttings in sand in a frame during the winter.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Macrotomia euchroma. Royle.