Gen
info
Zinnia is a common Mexican wildflower.
The early Spanish colonists in Mexico found the flowers ugly and called
them mal de ojos (evil eyes). The genus was
named after German botanist who first named it, Johann Gottfried Zinn
of Gottingen. Of the 200 or more species (source)
in the zinnia genus, Zinnia elegans is the most well known.
Botany
Low, erect annual herb, growing to
a height of 1 to 3 feet. Leaves are opposite, ovate or nearly elliptic,
with the base clasping the stem. Flower head is terminal, single- or
double-flowerd. The flowering stalk is 2-5 cm long. Ray flowers are
reflexed, of various colors, disk flowers usually yellow or orange.
Distribution
Native to Mexico.
Widely distributed in the Philippines.
Thrives best in deep loamy soil.
Propagated by seeds.
Uses
Folkloric
No known folkloric use in the
Philippines.
Studies
• Antifungal.
Phytochemical and antifungal screening of the whole plant of Z elegans
yielded 7.6% saponins and showed pronounced antifungal activity against
Fusarium moniliforme.
• Allergenicity / Allergic Rhinitis.
Zinnia elegans pollen from heavily polluted areas in central Tehran has been shown to release compounds that are significantly more potent in eliciting skin wheal reactions and increasing total blood IgE (immunoglobulin E) and eosinophilia in sensitized animals, than pollen compounds from non-polluted areas.
Availability
Wild-crafted.
Flower essence concoctions and seeds in the cybermart. |
