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Artemisia pontica (L) Roman Wormwood
NOMENCLATURE
Artemisia : see A. vulgaris.
pontica : of the Black sea Southern area.
Wormwood : see A. absinthium.
BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
Wiki Picture Link to Artemisia pontica
TYPE : aromatic rhizomatous perennial, 80cm, grey tomentose, shrubby.
LEAVES : finely dissected, 4cm, 1 or 2 pinnatifid sessile, base auriculate, denseley pubescent beneath, lobes 0.5mm wide, linear lanceolate.
FLOWERS : capitula ovoid, pendunculate, recurved in a long narrow, racemose panicle. Bracts 1-pinnatifid almost = heads. Involucre 2.5mm, phyllaries ovate-oblong, scarious, centre tomentose, receptacle glabrous, florets yellow.
DISTRIBUTION : garden escape, infrequent casual. C. & E. Europe.
BSBI Distribution Map for to Artemisia pontica (UK)
VARIETIES : 'Old Warrior'
HISTORICAL USES
Flavours Vermouth. Source of Oil of Wormwood, similar to A. absinthium. Culpepper 17thC : "Excellent to strengthen the stomach & the juice of the fresh tops is good against obstructions of the liver & spleen. An infusion of the flowering tops strengthens digestion. A tincture is good for gravel & gives relief from gout." Dr. John Hill : "In Germany, Wormwood wine is made with it, drunk with every other mouthful 1 of food, avoids sickness & indegestion."
INFO LINKS FOR Artemisia pontica
Wikipedia (ITA)
'Artemisia, Wild in the British Isles', Compiled by James M. Burton 2004
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