BORAGE

Borage is an annual with rough wide leaves and clusters of star-shaped blue blossoms hanging from hairy stems.

Plant Names
Botanical Family: 
boraginaceae
Common Name: 
BORAGE
Genus: 
Borago
Species: 
officinalis
About the Name: 

from the Latin burra meaning "rough", referring to the hair on the stem and leaves; officinalis is Latin for the "apothecary shop".

Origins: 
A native of the eastern Mediterranean region from where it was taken by the Crusaders to western Europe. Favoured by the ancient Greeks who fed their warriors the flowers to give them courage before battle. In the Middle Ages, borage tea was taken by participants before jousts and tournaments. The Welsh named it "Llanwenlys" – the herb of courage.
Plant Description: 
Borage is an annual with rough wide leaves and clusters of star-shaped blue blossoms hanging from hairy stems.

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