How Do You Spell DIGITALIS CILIATA?

1. Digitalis ciliata, commonly known as the fringed foxglove or cut-leaved foxglove, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to the Caucasus region, specifically Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, but it is also cultivated in gardens worldwide.

   The fringed foxglove typically grows up to 60-120 cm tall and features a basal rosette of deeply divided leaves that give it a delicate appearance. The leaves are green with serrated edges and can be up to 30 cm long. The plant produces tall spikes of tubular flowers, which can be pale yellow or cream-colored, marked with purple or maroon spots. The distinctive fringed petals give the plant its common name. The flowers appear in late spring or early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

   Digitalis ciliata is known for its medicinal properties, as it contains several cardiac glycosides, including digitoxin and gitoxin, which are similar to those found in other digitalis species. These compounds have potent effects on the heart, making the plant important in the treatment of certain heart conditions, especially congestive heart failure.

   However, it is crucial to note that digitalis ciliata contains toxic compounds, and improper use can lead to severe poisoning. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any part of the plant for medicinal purposes.

   In summary, digitalis ciliata is a perennial plant native to the Caucasus region, characterized by its deeply divided leaves and tall spikes of fringed, tubular flowers. It is known for its medicinal properties in the treatment of heart conditions, but caution must be exercised due to its toxicity.

The etymology of the term "digitalis ciliata" can be understood by breaking down its individual components:

1. Digitalis: This term comes from the Latin word "digitālis", which means "finger-shaped". It is derived from the word "digitus", meaning "finger". This name was given due to the shape of the blossoms of plants within the Digitalis genus, which resemble thimble-shaped flowers or fingers.

2. Ciliata: This term is derived from the Latin word "cilium", meaning "eyelid" or "eyelash". It refers to the fringed or hairy nature of the leaves or other parts of the plant species being described.

Therefore, "digitalis ciliata" can be understood to describe a plant belonging to the Digitalis genus with fringed or hairy leaves.