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Purple coneflower – Echinacea purpurea

Purple coneflower is a tall hardy perennial 1.2m high with a rhizomatous rootstock and ovatelanceolate leaves. The purplish pink daisy like flowers have raised conical centres, made up of prickly brown scales, reminiscent of hedgehods.

Purple coneflower prefers well drained, humush rich soil and a sunny position or partial shade. Cut back the stems as the flowers fade to encourage second blooming . It it propagated by seed sown in spring under glass at a temperature of 13 degrees centigade or division of roots in late spring or autumn.

Echinacea has a beneficial effect on the immune system and stimulates the production of white blood cells and has been used in treating AIDS. It has antiviral,antifungal and antibacterial properties and is taken internally in the form of capsules or tinctures for respiratory tract infections, kidney infections, skin diseases, boils , abscesses and slow-healing woundsl. A decoction of the roots is applied externally as a wash for infected wounds and skin complaints.

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