This is a family of flowering plants of 87 genera and over 1500 species. They contain bitter (iridoid) substances that may be used medicinally and in flavourings.
Flowers are radially symmetrical with sepals and petals fused at the base. The stamens are attached to the inside of the petals (epipetalous).
Leaves opposite, less often alternate or in some species whorled, simple in shape, with smooth margins and bases fused to the stem (no pedicel)
(source: Wikipedia)
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It is a summer, sometimes winter annual plant (reproducing by seed only) that is ‘at home’ in southern Scandinavia, central and southern Europe. It flowers only in the sun when temperatures are 20 degrees C. or above.
Seeds are formed in pods that burst open after the plant has died back and the seeds are spread by wind or rainwater.
The plant is well known in traditional medicine and has been used in remedies for fever and illnesses of the liver, gall bladder and digestive tract. It contains bitter substances that stimulate digestion and relieve indigestion – a favoured ingredient of various herbal liqueurs.
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The German name ‘Tausendguldenkraut’ (thousand penny herb) refers to the high value of the plant in traditional medicine. It is still an important ingredient of many herbal remedies.
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Side view of the flowering stem showing umbel-like inflorescence, long flower tubes and paired leaves.
White
Yellow
Blue
Red
Other
• Backwater
• Marsh
• Damp Grasslands
•Scrub
• Cultivated Fields
• Wayside 
• Dry Grasslands
• Woodland
This is a protected flower.
It is a summer, sometimes winter annual plant (reproducing by seed only) that is ‘at home’ in southern Scandinavia, central and southern Europe. It flowers only in the sun when temperatures are 20 degrees C. or above.
Seeds are formed in pods that burst open after the plant has died back and the seeds are spread by wind or rainwater.
The plant is well known in traditional medicine and has been used in remedies for fever and illnesses of the liver, gall bladder and digestive tract. It contains bitter substances that stimulate digestion and relieve indigestion – a favoured ingredient of various herbal liqueurs.