The species of March 2015

Name: Spiny Starwort
Scientific Name: Pallenis spinosa – (L.) Cass
Family: Compositae    

Description
An annual plant, upright, with a hairy shoot. Leaves alternately, simply, off the lower, hairy ones that end in a spike. Flowers yellow, at the ends of the shoot. Flowering: March – July.

Distribution – Uses
It prefers deserted or coastal areas, next to salt flats, in cultivated areas, and pine forests up to 600m. It is found in the Canary Islands in Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

A study by the Department of Chemistry at the University of El-Minia in Egypt found methoxyxylated flavonols in the plant that act:

As antihistamines, anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, as phytoestrogens, substances that regulate estrogen levels in the body and help prevent cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and the symptoms of menopause. They also boost blood circulation, prevent atherosclerosis, hemophilia, lower cholesterol levels and generally boost metabolism and mental health.

Sources:
[1] «Άγριολούλουδα και άλλα φυτά της Κυπριακής γης» Τμήμα δασών.
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
[3] http://kentromeletisarxaiasthourias.wordpress.com/2014/05/30/

Image source:
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