Contents
What is a flax plant?
Characteristics of a flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Common noun: Flax, common flax, cultivated flax.
Scientific noun: Linum usitatissimum L.
Family: Flax family – Linaceae
Habitat: Cultivated from long time ago like a textile plant and for its seeds. Today, it can be found like a naturalized plant in some dry places, rich in organic waste.
Description of flax
Annual herb of the Linum family – Linaceae up to 60 cm.
Generally single stems.
Lanceolate leaves with three nerves till 4 cm long, 4 mm wide.
Dark blue flowers, till 3 cm in diameter, gathered in very loose racemes.
Fruits (linseed) till 1 cm.
Active principles of flax
The main principles are:
- Mucilages
- Pectin
Photo of brown linseed Acids: Chlorogenic, oleic, linoleic,alpha-linoleic and palmitic
- Linamarin
- Linustatin
- Lotaustralin
- Proteins
- Fiber
- Minerals: Magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron
Active parts: The seeds
More information on flax and other medicinal plants
This article was endorsed by Vicente Martínez Centelles - Founder of the web and director. Teacher of natural sciences, expert in plants, natural remedies and botanical photography.
