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Nature in Black & White

Astrantia major, common name Great Masterwort, is a native perennial wildflower of Europe. It is most specifically found in Switzerland and Austria at edges of woodlands and in alpine meadows. It reached England in 1597 and soon became a common cottage garden flower known as Hattie's pin-cushion.

 

Astrantia major is an herbaceous, perennial plant with a rhizome, belonging to the family Apiaceae. The genus name (astrantia) derives from the Latin "aster" meaning star and refers to the open star-shaped floral bracts.

 

Masterwort is a medicinal plant dating back to the middle ages; it's camphor-like oil led to its suggested uses for a half dozen different ailments.

 

Summer Garden, Hyde Park, London

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Uploaded on March 24, 2019
Taken on July 28, 2012