Appearance
''Heracleum sphondylium'' reaches on average 50–120 centimetres of height, with a maximum of 2 metres. From large reddish rhizomatous roots rises a striated, hollow stem with bristly hairs. The leaves can reach 50 centimetres of length. They are pinnate, hairy and serrated, divided into 3–5 lobed segments.This plant has pinkish or white flowers with 5 petals. They are arranged in large umbels of up to 20 cm of diameter with 15 to 30 rays. The peripheral flowers have a radial symmetry. Flowering typically occurs between June and October. The flowers are pollinated by insects, such as beetles, wasps and especially flies. The small fruits are flattened and winged, elliptical to rounded and glabrous, up to 1 cm long. The seed dispersal is by wind.
Naming
The genus name ''Heracleum'' derives from the Greek "herákleion" and refers to the mythologic hero Heracles, while the species name ''sphondylium'', meaning "vertebrate", refers to the shape of the segmented stem.
Distribution
These plants have a Eurasian distribution, growing all over Europe , and North Africa.In eastern European countries and especially Romania, H. sphondylium is used as an aphrodisiac and to treat gynecological and fertility problems and impotence. It is also sometimes recommended for epilepsy. However, there are no clinical studies to prove its efficacy at treating any of these problems.
Habitat
The plant is common in herbaceous places, along roads, in hedges, meadows and woods, especially in mountain areas up to 8,000 ft of altitude. It prefers moist, nitrogen-rich soils.References:
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