Appearance
This plant is an annual herb growing to an average height around 40 cm. The toothed or serrated leaves are in opposite pairs at the stem nodes. Inflorescences emerge from the leaf axils and bear white, lipped flowers each about 1 cm long. They are pollinated by insects.Uses
The plant has been cultivated for its seeds in southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe since prehistoric times. Its vernacular name in Iran is balangu shahri. The seeds contain the edible oil known as lallemantia oil. The oil content of the seeds is about 30%, sometimes reaching up to 38%. The oil is used as a substitute for linseed oil in the production of varnish, furniture polish, ink, paint, soap, and linoleum.''Lallemantia iberica'' is famous for use in traditional medicines. This plant, originally from the Caucasus and the Middle East, spread throughout European and eastern countries.
The seeds have been used in folk medicine as a stimulant and diuretic. The leaves are used as a potherb in modern Iran.
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