Pipsissewa
Also called all the following names:
Pine Flower, Umbellate Wintergreen, Bitter Wintergreen,Spotted Wintergreen,
Love-in-winter, Ground Ivy, Prince's Pine, Rheumatism Weed, Striped Prince's Pine, and Dragon's Tongue.
The fact that there are so many names is an
indication that this flower has been of interest to many people for a long time
(see info below about medical legends)
Scientific Name: Chimaphila umbellata
From Hike to Bagby Hot Springs 7/17/14 H332
Pipsissewa
(Chimaphila umbellata)
The Pipsissewa leaves have very little scent until they are rubbed to release a pleasant but
mildly "puckery" odor.
Pipsissewa leaves are used as a flavoring in root beer production,
and in candy.
There are many legends and stories about the medical uses of Pipsissewa
From Hike to Palmateer Point 8/15/13 H226
These flowers had bloomed some time ago.
As these pictures show, now there are just berries.
The name Pipsissewa is derived from the Native American name
pipsiskeweu which means "it breaks into small pieces”
Pipsissewa are evergreen plants. The leaves are shiny, bright green, and
toothed. They are arranged in opposite pairs. Leaves have a shallowly toothed margin.
The teeth have fine hairs at their ends. The flowers are white or pink
Although Pipsissewa has green leaves year-round, it receives a significant portion
of its nutrition from fungi in the soil
(that is, it is a partial myco-heterotroph). (from Wikipedia)
There are many legends and stories about the medical uses of Pipsissewa:
According to an Appalachian herbalist Pipsissewa has been used
"ever since time" for treating rheumatism, and for kidney and liver disorders.
It is said that some people still use Pipsissewa for its’ diuretic, tonic,
and astringent properties and for ailments from skin eruptions to cancer
and chronic kidney disease.
(from: www.frostburg.edu)
My comment: If these legends are true, we would not need Obamacare.
From hike to Tamanawas falls 7/30/13 H222
Note this is July and there are still flowers on the plants
Do offer some comments: Message will go to Joan and Elmer
Type your message in the box below and include your name
Click on a thumbnail below to enlarge the image
fw_093
|
fw_094
|
fw_098
|
fwG_092
|
fwG_095
|
fwG_099
|
