Borage
Borago officinalis
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
An annual herb. It is a sprawling plant. It can be 45-75 cm high and spread 45 cm wide. The stout stems and leaves are covered with stiff hairs. The lower leaves are on leaf stalks that have winged extensions near their base. The upper leaves are smaller and have blades without stalks. The flowers are blue or pink and star shaped. They have black centres. The flowers are on stalks 1.5-4 cm long. They are in clusters on the ends of branches. The nutlets are brownish-black. They are wrinkled and have a base which curves inward.
There are 3 Borago species.
Where it is found
They can grow in full sun or light shade. They do best in a fairly rich, moist, well drained soil. In the tropics it can be grown in mountain regions. In Hobart Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 5-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Caribbean, Chile, China, Condo DR, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pacific, Philippines, Portugal, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Serbia, Sicily, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The flowers and leaves are used to flavour liqueurs and summer drinks. The flowers are also sucked. The young leaves can be used in salads. They have a cucumber like flavour. They are also fried in batter. They are also stuffed like grape leaves. The older leaves are boiled and used in soups. They are also added to omelettes. They are used in pickles. CAUTION: It may not be wise to eat large amounts over a long time due to Pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, herb, spice, flowers, vegetable, seeds - tea
How it is grown
It is grown from seed. Seed are sown 12 mm deep. The taproot is easily damaged in transplanting. Plants drop seed easily and become self sown.
It grows quickly. The leaves are normally used fresh. They can be used dried but must be dried quickly in a dry well ventilated place.
Its other names
Local names
Agurkle, Bburraina, Bee bread, Boragine, Boretse, Boratsino, Borraga, Borrainas, Borraja, Borrajas, Bou cassal, Bou chenaf, Boukhrich, Bou krich, Bouroi, Bourrache, Bugloss, Burraccelle, Burraccia, Buragine, Cool-tankard, Foudelggem, Gabbuina, Gurkmetra, Harcha, Iles ouaral, Ligabuinna, Star Flower, Talewort, Tament, Tizizoua, Vurraine, Vurrania, Zdravilna boraga