Thymelaea hirsuta
Thymelaea hirsuta (L.) Endl.
Thymelaea hirsuta, also known as boalaga or shaggy sparrow-wort, is a xerophytic shrub reaching up to 2 metres in height with a root system extending to 3.5m deep. It is characterized by small, fleshy leaves and flowers. This species is toxic but has medicinal uses and provides strong fibres for rope and paper production.
Description
Thymelaea hirsuta is a shrub belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family. It is native to regions including Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, and parts of North Africa and the Middle East. The plant is adapted to dry environments and is known for its deep root system. Both its leaves and flowers are small and fleshy. Like other members of its family, it is toxic but has been used for medicinal purposes. The fibres from the plant are also utilised in the production of rope and paper.
Distribution
Portugal Continental · EG · Albania · Algeria · Baleares · Corse · Cyprus · East Aegean Is. · Egypt · France · Greece · Italy · Kriti · Lebanon-Syria · Libya · Morocco · Palestine · Portugal · Sardegna · Sicilia · Sinai · Spain · Tunisia · Turkey-in-Europe · Turkey · Yugoslavia
Synonyms
Lachnaea hirsutaPasserina hirsutaPiptochlamys hirsutaPasserina telonensisStellera hirsutaSanamunda tomentosaGiardia hirsutaChlamydanthus hirsutusPasserina metnanPasserina polygalifoliaTartonia ovatifoliaThymelaea hirsuta var. vulgarisThymelaea hirsuta var. rotundifoliaThymelaea hirsuta var. angustifoliaPasserina hirsuta var. vestitaThymelaea hirsuta var. polygalaefoliaThymelaea hirsuta var. polygalifoliaThymelaea hirsuta f. glaucaPasserina hirsuta prol. polygalifoliaPasserina hirsuta var. linearisThymelaea hirsuta var. microphylla
