Borage (Borago officinalis) is a wild plant that is commonly found in the Maltese countryside. Between January and May the plants are covered with tiny blue star-shaped flowers which have white and black centres. Small, stiff bristles grow on the stems and leaves. Borage was originally a native of Syria but has now spread all over the Mediterranean, North Africa, Europe and Asia Minor. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible and, in some countries, are sometimes included in salads since they have a sweet, cucumber-like taste. The flowers are sometimes candied and used to decorate cakes.
Borage is said to have various medicinal properties and has been used to calm nerves, as a diuretic, tonic, emollient, sedative and expectorant, amongst other uses.
Very rarely the plant may produce pink or white flowers. However, I have only seen these flowers in photos. I hope that one day I will come across them on one of my countryside walks so that I can share them with you. In truth, I find the blue-coloured flowers to be quite interesting since they provide an interesting contrast to the more common yellows and whites of other wild flowers.
I'm wondering/imagining how this flower taste like. I agree, blue flowers aren't common. I haven't seen this flower here or in my travels yet.
ReplyDeleteI Love borage..and it is such a powerful healer and wonderful plant ally! Gorgeous captures!!Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteHow pretty .. and fascinating.. I've always found herbal remedies to be kinder to us than the alternative... and lovely to see their origins
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week Loree... ciao .. xxxx Julie
Beautiful flower. My first thought when I read that it was edible was how lovely it would be crystalized or on a salad.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a beautiful early March week!
xoxo, B
Very delicate and pretty. I'd love to taste them!
ReplyDeleteThey really are quite lovely. I remember that Francesca from FuoriBorgo made some absolutely gorgeous borage flower ravioli last spring. Here's the link to her post if you're interested:
ReplyDeleteFuoriBorgo's floral ravioli
Howdy Loree
ReplyDeleteFabulous Post !!!!
While I have been away from blogging you have been on my heart .
Your beautiful Island that blesses me to the depth of my soul has been on my mind daily.
As news reports about troubles in Libya came I felt such a deep concern for your wonderful Island .While I wept for the people of Libya I must confess a selfish concern they would not over flow your Island home and change it's amazing landscape .I am so glad to once again have the gift of visiting your beautiful blog !Thank you sweet Loree for sharing your talent for capturing nature in all her glory .
Until next time
Happy Trails
I'm wishing you a most lovely weekend, dear Loree.
ReplyDeletexoxo, B
I had a white one growing in a pot on my patio two years ago, it was very photogenic, but the blue ones look prettier in a salad!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful flower! Wonder if we have them here in the US..
ReplyDeleteVery interesting discussion glad that I came across such informative post. Keep up the good work friend. keep it up.
ReplyDeleteGlad you thought it was interesting.
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