Description
Centaurium maritimum (also called Sea centaury, among many other common names) is an annual herbaceous plant, native to Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia, and found in coastal areas, salt marshes and sandy soils. It has a slender stem, reaching up to 40 cm in height, with small, bright yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Centaurium maritimum is used as a diuretic, for treating anemia, and as a tonic. It is also used to treat digestive issues, such as indigestion and constipation, and to reduce inflammation.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Centaurium maritimum has small, yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are light green with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Centaurium maritimum is a perennial plant that grows in sandy soils and can tolerate drought. It is propagated by seed, which should be sown in spring or summer. The seedlings should be thinned out to a spacing of 10-15 cm. The plant can also be propagated by division in the spring.