The MGS Forum

Plant identification => Plant identification => Topic started by: MikeHardman on July 27, 2012, 09:24:44 PM

Title: grey-green leaved weed IDd by Oron as Chrozophora tinctoria
Post by: MikeHardman on July 27, 2012, 09:24:44 PM

I don't really have a clue with this one...
It is quite common at my place in western Cyprus.
The photos were taken a couple of days ago.
The foliage effect is quite nice.

Title: Re: grey-green leaved weed, insignificant yellow flowers
Post by: oron peri on July 27, 2012, 10:12:14 PM

Chrozophora tinctoria ,Euphorbiaceae
The blue colorant 'turnsole' used to be made from its fruits,
you can try it by cutting a mature fruit and paint with it on a paper , it turns deep blue as it dries out.
but be carful, you have to protect your hands...

Title: Re: grey-green leaved weed, insignificant yellow flowers
Post by: MikeHardman on July 28, 2012, 05:35:33 AM

Excellent; thanks Oron!
I have never heard of Chrozophora tinctoria or turnsole, and had no idea the plant had been used as a dye. I'm tempted to investigate/experiment.

Title: Re: grey-green leaved weed IDd by Oron as Chrozophora tinctoria
Post by: John on November 10, 2012, 08:21:10 PM

This is a plant that I was hoping to see on Crete when we were doing the book but failed. I could have course have walked past it without realising it on more than one occasion.