What is Eriophorum?

Eriophorum is a genus of herbal permanent flowering plants belonging to the Cyperaceae or Sedge family. The name literally translates into woolen hunting because it is based on the Greek word erion , which means wool or cotton and photos , which means a bearing. Types eeriphorum generally look like grasses that measure 2 feet (0.61 m) to 3 feet (0.91 m) high, with flat and leather leaves that have unclear peaks. These plants are more commonly known as Cotttongrass, CottondEdge or Bog-Cotton, the last common name is served because of their acid swamps.

flowers are the most remarkable parts of these plants. They bloom in May and June, and as they age, the fibers extend and become more pronounced, giving the appearance of small cotton heads dancing on the top of the grassy leaves. Most species have white flowers, but there are some with yellow -brown or reddish flowers. There are about 25 species of eeriophorum Ely to cold, mild and alpine areas of the northern hemisphere - from North America and Northern Europe to North Eurasia. These plants generally prefer the wet environment in the mountains.

The natural spread of these plants is seed with the help of wind during pollination. The seeds ripen from July to August and because they can easily spread, plants can be eeriophorum quite invasive. In some areas, however, there are species listed as endangered and endangered, such as e. e. gracile or slim cottage; and e. Plants Eriophorum can prosper in sandy, clay or clay soil if they are acidic and watery. Gardeners who want to plant these species in their gardens.

Traditional use eeriophorum in Europe and North America is the filling of pillows and matrawhose. Native Americans and colonial Americans also used these plants to produce fibers. However, the fiber of Eriophorum is not very strong and is therefore mixed with bedding and wool to make the fabric fibers softer and more resistant. Experiments for these plants to become a cotton substitute have failed because their fibers are fragile and easily break when they are twisted.

In addition to being a source of fibers, Eriophorum plants were also used to make candles or wicks for oil lamps. Dried leaves and stems can also be woven into soft mats. Some sources suggest that roots, leaves and stems are edible and can be used for healing purposes. Some believe that some believe in the infusion of leaves and roots who treat diarrhea and some indigenous American tribes eat raw stems for good health.