| Arnica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Arnica montana[1] | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: | Asteroideae |
| Tribe: | Madieae |
| Subtribe: | Arnicinae B.G.Baldwin |
| Genus: | Arnica L. 1753 not Boehm. 1760 |
| Synonyms | |
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Arnica/ˈɑːrnɪkə/ is a genus ofperennial, herbaceous plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The genus nameArnica may be derived from theGreekarni, "lamb", in reference to the plants' soft, hairy leaves.Arnica is also known by the namesmountain tobacco and, confusingly,leopard's bane andwolfsbane—two names that it shares with the entirely unrelated genusAconitum.
Thiscircumboreal and montane (subalpine) genus occurs mostly in the temperate regions of westernNorth America, with a few species native to theArctic regions of northernEurasia andNorth America.[2]
Arnica species are used as food plants by thelarvae of someLepidoptera species, includingBucculatrix arnicella.
Arnica was previously classified in the tribeSenecioneae because it has a flower orpappus of fine bristles.
Arnica is the basis of ahomeopathic remedy promoted for aiding bruise recovery.
Arnica plants have a deep-rooted, erectstem that is usually unbranched. Their downyopposite leaves are borne towards the apex of the stem. The ovoid, leathery basal leaves are arranged in a rosette.[3]
They show large yellow or orangeflowers, 6–8 cm (2–3 in) wide with 10–15 cm (4–6 in) long ray florets and numerous disc florets. Thephyllaries (abract under the flowerhead) has long spreading hairs. Each phyllary is associated with a ray floret. Species ofArnica, with aninvolucre (a circle of bracts arranged surrounding the flower head) arranged in two rows, have only their outer phyllaries associated with ray florets. The flowers have a slightaromatic smell.[3]
The seedlikefruit has apappus of plumose, white or pale tan bristles. The entire plant has a strong and distinct pine-sage odor when the leaves of mature plants are rubbed or bruised.[3]
The speciesArnica montana, native toEurope, has long been used infolk medicine, but there is noclinical evidence for its homeopathic use as an effective therapy.[4]
Arnica montana contains the toxinhelenalin, which can be poisonous if large amounts of the plant are eaten, and contact with the plant can also cause skin irritation.[5] Medical preparations can cause skin irritation if applied topically, and adverse effects include headache and drowsiness if ingested. High doses can have severe adverse effects including death.[6]
Accepted species:[7]
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| National | |
| Other | |
