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EDELWEISS

Edelweiss
Alpen Edelweiß, Leontopodium alpinum 2.JPG
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Tribe: Gnaphalieae
Genus: Leontopodium
Species: L. alpinum
Binomial name
Leontopodium alpinum
, 1822

Leontopodium alpinum, commonly called edelweiss (English pronunciation Listeni/ˈdəlvs/), is a well-known mountain flower, belonging to the Asteraceae (the daisy or sunflower family).

The plant prefers rocky limestone places at about 1,800–3,000 metres (5,900–9,800 ft) altitude. It is non-toxic, and has been used traditionally in folk medicine as a remedy against abdominal and respiratory diseases. The dense hair appears to be an adaptation to high altitudes, protecting the plant from cold, aridity and ultraviolet radiation. As a scarce, short-lived flower found in remote mountain areas, the plant has been used as a symbol for alpinism, for rugged beauty and purity associated with the Alps and Carpathians, and as a national symbol especially of Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Romania. According to folk tradition, giving this flower to a loved one is a promise of dedication.


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Wikipedia

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