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Viperina, Echium vulgare

Family of boraginaceae

The Italian and botanical name, Echium, derives from the Greek ekis="vipera" (viper) reminding that the ancient herbalists thought the main characteristic of this plant, which has uncommon blue flowers.

Use
It means that this plant was considered a good remedy against viper's bites. It is possible to find it in uncultivated meadows at the beginning of summer and it is quite easy to recognise it because of its stems, hairy leaves and dark blue flowers.

Picture and text of Tebaldo Lorini
Translated by Gianna Toni

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