German madwort
Asperugo procumbens
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
A herb. It lies along the ground. It grows each year from seeds. It can be a climber. It grows 90 cm tall. The stems are slender and hollow with 5 or 6 ribs along them. The lower stem leaves have leaf stalks and are spoon shaped. They are 5-8 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. Stem further up the stem do not have stalks and become smaller. The flowers are blue.
There is only one Asperugo species. It is used in medicine as a tranquiliser and mood elevator.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in dry places. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Albania, Argentina, Asia, Canada, Central Asia, China, Egypt, Europe, Himalayas, India, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mongolia, Nepal, North Africa, Russia, South America, Tajikistan, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, USA, Uzbekistan
How it is used for food
The leaves are roasted with onions.
The root is used as a substitute for madder
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Gepa mihe, Bost bergik, Guriza nermik