Dicentra canadensis
Dicentra canadensis
The squirrel corn (Dicentra canadensis (Goldie.) Walp.) Is a herbaceous species belonging to the Papaveraceae family.
Systematics –
From the systematic point of view it belongs to the Eukaryota Domain, Kingdom Plantae, Magnoliophyta Division, Magnoliopsida Class, Papaverales Order, Papaveraceae Family and therefore to the Dicentra Genus and to the Species D. canadensis.
The terms are synonymous:
– Corydalis canadensis Goldie;
– Bicuculla canadensis (Goldie) Millsp .;
– Bikukulla canadensis (Walp.) Druce;
– Diclytra canadensis (Goldie) DC .;
– Dielytra canadensis (Goldie) G.Don;
– Capnorchis canadensis (Goldie) Kuntze;
– Capnorchis canadensis Nieuwl ..
Etymology –
The term Dicentra comes from the Greek δις dis twice and from κέντρον céntron Sperone: due to the sepals that extend into two long spurs.
The specific canadensis epithet refers to Canada, but sometimes used to indicate North America.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat –
Dicentra canadensis is a plant native to the deciduous forests of eastern North America. This species is found in southern Quebec, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee.
Its habitat is that of deciduous woods, often among rocky outcrops, in soils rich in clay, where it is found from sea level to 1500 meters.
Description –
Squirrel corn is a perennial, ephemeral herbaceous plant that sheds leaves and blooms in spring and goes dormant in summer, which can grow up to 0.15 meters in height.
This plant features small bulbs bulbs (which resemble more or less to corn grains).
The basal leaves, 1 or 2 per flower stem, have a triangular outline, 13 to 23 cm long and 6 to 13 cm broad, with three divisions, strictly from oblong to linear; they have smooth surfaces with the underside with a powdery and waxy texture. The stems are smooth and green to brown.
The flowers are in racemes of 4-8 hanging heart-shaped flowers, of a greenish-white color, about 2 cm long and just over 1 cm broad; they are carried on thin stems at the end of a bare stem that rises above the leaves. At the base are a pair of small yellowish lobes that open like wings, revealing short stamens and a 2-horned stigma. A couple of long vertical flounces are at right angles to the wings. The stem can be erect but is typically hanging or arched.
Cultivation –
Squirrel corn is a plant that grows wild but can be easily grown in rich, light soil, preferably with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
This plant prefers a shady location and grows well in a sheltered corner of rock gardens.
The seed is very difficult to collect, matures and falls off the plant very quickly.
After fruit set, the Dicentra canadensis bulbs remain dormant until autumn, when the stored starch is converted into sugar.
Propagation can take place by seed and this should be sown as soon as it is ripe and stored until sowing in cold warehouses.
The stored seed should be sown in early spring. Germination usually occurs within 1 – 6 months at 15 ° C.
The emergence of seedlings can be shortened by carrying out two weeks of warm stratification at 18 ° C followed by six weeks at 2 ° C.
Another method of propagation can be to take the larger clumps which can be replanted directly into their permanent locations, although it is best to arrange the smaller clumps and grow them in a cold frame until they take root well and then transplant them. in spring.
Customs and Traditions –
Dicentra canadensis is a plant that is harvested in its natural state for local use, both as a food and as a medicine.
According to some reports, this plant is an endangered and special concern species.
For edible uses the roots are used.
Dried tubers are used for medicinal use which are alterative, diuretic and tonic.
Tubers are useful in treating chronic skin conditions, syphilis, scrofula and certain menstrual disorders.
No other particular uses are known.
Preparation method –
There is news of the diet of the roots of this plant even if its particular uses are not known.
Guido Bissanti
Sources
– Acta Plantarum – Flora of the Italian Regions.
– Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
– Useful Tropical Plants Database.
– Conti F., Abbate G., Alessandrini A., Blasi C. (ed.), 2005. An annotated checklist of the Italian vascular flora, Palombi Editore.
– Pignatti S., 1982. Flora d’Italia, Edagricole, Bologna.
– Treben M., 2000. La Salute from Farmacia del Lord, Advice and experiences with medicinal herbs, Ennsthaler Editore.
Caution: Pharmaceutical applications and alimurgical uses are indicated for informational purposes only, they do not represent in any way a medical prescription; therefore no responsibility is taken for their use for curative, aesthetic or food purposes.