Lady's mantle

Alchemilla
Alchemilla alpina
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Rosales Family: Rosaceae Genus: Alchemilla L.
Species
See text.

Alchemilla is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the Rosaceae, commonly known as Lady's mantle. There are about 300 species, the majority native to cool temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia, but a few species also present on the mountains of Africa, North America and South America.

Herbalism

A leaf decoction is used to treat sore eyes, sore skin and also staunches bleeding. An infusion is used to regulate periods.
Active ingredients: tannins, bitters and some essential oils.

Folklore

The name alchemilla ("little magical one") derives from the dew which collects on it - dew being formerly associated with magic. The dew was used as a beauty lotion by country people. Nicholas Culpeper claimed that the juice of this plant could firm up sagging breasts, while pillows stuffed with it could bring on a good sleep. Modern herbalists use it to treat menopause and excessive menstruation.^[1]

These plants are used as a food plant by some Lepidoptera species, including Emperor Moth and Grizzled Skipper.

Some species, eg A. alpina, are used by gardeners in rock gardens.

Selected species

• Alchemilla abyssinica
• Alchemilla acutiloba
• Alchemilla alpina : Lady's mantle
• Alchemilla argyrophylla
• Alchemilla arvensis
• Alchemilla conjuncta
• Alchemilla elisabethae
• Alchemilla ellenbeckii
• Alchemilla epipsila
• Alchemilla erythropoda
• Alchemilla faeroensis
• Alchemilla filicaulis
• Alchemilla fulgens
• Alchemilla glabra
• Alchemilla glaucescens
• Alchemilla glomerulans
• Alchemilla gracilis
• Alchemilla hoppeana
• Alchemilla incisa
• Alchemilla japonica
• Alchemilla lapeyrousii
• Alchemilla minima
• Alchemilla mollis
• Alchemilla monticola
• Alchemilla pallens
• Alchemilla pentaphylla
• Alchemilla plicatula
• Alchemilla rigida
• Alchemilla sericata
• Alchemilla sericea
• Alchemilla speciosa
• Alchemilla subcrenata
• Alchemilla tytthantha
• Alchemilla venosa
• Alchemilla vetteri
• Alchemilla xanthochlora

References

1. ^ Howard, Michael. Traditional Folk Remedies, (Century, 1987); p164

gallery

Leaf and leaf-like, fused together stipules of Alchemilla mollis

Closeup of the leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris

Further Reading

Herbs and Healing Plants of Britain & Europe, Dieter Podlech, Collins, London, 2001 ISBN 0261674056

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