Borage

DESCRIPTION: Height up to 100cm. Also know as the Star-Flower this bristly branching annual has rough, oval, pointed leaves that have toothed, wavy margins. Stems are green turning deep red towards the apex where the brilliant blue flowers are borne. These flowers are made up of narrow petal and sepal lobes and bear a priominent column of black-blue stamens. The plant has a cucumber smelling juice. DISTRIBUTION: Occassional and local in southern Britain. HABITAT: Fallow cultivated land, disturbed roadsides and waste ground. FLOWERING TIME: April to September. FURTHER INFO: The seeds are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid; this oil helps to regulate the hormonal systems and lowers blood pressure. Borage has been used in hyperactive gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and is also a blood purifier and can be used for urinary (diuretic and kidney/bladder) problems.