Aquilegia bertolonii


Aquilegia (columbine) is a genus of about 60-70 species of herbaceous perennial plants that are found in meadows, woodlands, and at higher altitudes throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their distinctive flowers, generally bell-shaped,
with each petal modified into an elongated nectar spur.
Its fruit takes the form of a follicle.
Several species are grown in gardens, including Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine), a traditional garden flower in many parts of the world.
Numerous hybrids have also been developed as well. They are easy to propagate from seed.
The flowers of various species of Aquilegia were consumed in moderation by Native Americans as a condiment with other fresh greens, and are reported to be very sweet, and safe if consumed in small quantities.
The plants seeds and roots are highly poisonous, and contain cardiogenic toxins which cause both severe gastroenteritis and heart palpitations if consumed as food.
Native Americans used very small amounts of Aquilegia root as an effective treatment for ulcers, however, the use of this plant internally is best avoided due to its high toxicity.
Aquilegia species are closely related to plants in the genus Actaea (Baneberry), which also produce cadiogenic toxins, and Aconitum, a highly toxic plant genus which contains wolfbane and several varieties of monkshood.
Akeleien sind mehrjährige krautige Pflanzen, die einen kräftigen, meist mehrköpfigen Wurzelstock haben. Aus der grundständigen Blattrosette heraus wachsen aufrechte, reich verzweigte Blütenstängel, welche ebenso wie die Blütenstiele mit Drüsenhaaren versehen sind.
Die Akeleienarten werden gewöhnlich von Hummeln, seltener von Tagfaltern wegen ihres Nektars aufgesucht. Nektarblätter sind die inneren Blütenhüllblätter. Die Nektarblätter sind gerade so weit geöffnet, dass eine Hummel ihren Kopf hineinstecken kann.
Herkunft und VerbreitungAkeleien sind heimisch in Teilen Asiens sowie in Nordamerika und Europa. Zu den in Europa zu findenden Arten gehören unter anderem die Schwarzviolette Akelei (A. atrata), die Kleinblütige Akelei (A. einseleana) und die Gewöhnliche oder Gemeine Akelei (A. vulgaris).