agronom.info agronomy portal
Reference · Crops

Boraginaceae

414 sections — choose below or search on the left.

Main sections

Amsinckia9 Arnebia9 Bourreria9 Anchusa7 Buglossoides4 Cordia4 Antiphytum2 Bothriospermum2 Brunnera2 Alkanna1 Allocarya1 Amblynotus1 Borage1 Gromwell1 Ceballosia1 Coldenia1
414 sections

Results

Alkana calliensis Alkana calliensis Alkanna Alkanna 1 item Alkanna corcyrensis Alkanna corcyrensis Galilaean alkanet Alkanna galilaea Greek alkanet Alkanna graeca Yellow alkanet Alkanna lutea Oriental alkanet Alkanna orientalis Alkanna pindicola Alkanna pindicola Alkanna primuliflora Alkanna primuliflora Alkanna sieberi Alkanna sieberi Alkanna strigosa Alkanna strigosa Allocarya Allocarya 1 item Amblynotus Amblynotus 1 item Amsinckia Amsinckia 9 items Anchusa Anchusa 7 items Anchusa aegyptiaca Anchusa aegyptiaca Anchusa barrelieri Anchusa barrelieri Anchusa calcarea Anchusa calcarea Anchusa cespitosa Anchusa cespitosa Cretan Alkanet Anchusa cretica Anchusa crispa Anchusa crispa Siberian bugloss Anchusa gmelinii Anchusa humilis Anchusa humilis Anchusa hybrids Anchusa hybrids Anchusa milleri Anchusa milleri Anchusa negevensis Anchusa negevensis Yellow alkanet Anchusa ochroleuca Anchusa procera Anchusa procera Dwarf bugloss Anchusa pusilla Anchusa strigosa Anchusa strigosa Anchusa stylosa Anchusa stylosa Anchusa thessala Anchusa thessala Wavy alkanet Anchusa undulata Variegated alkanet Anchusa variegata Antiphytum Antiphytum 2 items Arnebia Arnebia 9 items Asperugo Asperugo Borage Borago L. 1 item Dwarf borage Borago pygmaea Bothriospermum Bothriospermum 2 items Bourreria Bourreria 9 items Brunnera Brunnera 2 items Brunnera hybrids Brunnera hybrids Oriental brunnera Brunnera orientalis Buglossoides Buglossoides 4 items Gromwell Buglossoides Moench 1 item Caccinia macranthera Caccinia macranthera Ceballosia Ceballosia 1 item Cerinthe Cerinthe Smooth honeywort Cerinthe glabra Cerinthe hybrids Cerinthe hybrids Honeywort Cerinthe major Lesser honeywort Cerinthe minor Palestine honeywort Cerinthe palaestina Cerinthe retorta Cerinthe retorta Cerinthe tenuiflora Cerinthe tenuiflora Coldenia Coldenia 1 item Coldenia greggii Coldenia greggii Coldenia paranychioides Coldenia paranychioides Cordia Cordia 4 items

Boraginaceae

Borage, scientifically known as Borago officinalis, is a prominent member of the Boraginaceae family. This annual herb is widely cultivated for its culinary, medicinal, and nectar-producing properties. Originating from the Mediterranean region, it has naturalized in many temperate and subtropical zones worldwide, proving to be a highly adaptable crop for various soil and climate types.

Botanically, borage is characterized by its stiff, bristly hairs covering the entire plant and its distinctive star-shaped, blue flowers. The leaves are wrinkled, ovate, and possess a strong aroma reminiscent of fresh cucumbers. The plant typically reaches a height of 60 to 100 cm and develops a deep taproot, which allows it to thrive in different environments and tolerate moderate periods of drought once established.

Cultivation requirements for borage are straightforward, making it an excellent crop for sustainable farming systems. It prefers full sun or partial shade and thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral pH. The seeds can be sown directly in the field in early spring. Key agronomic practices include thinning the plants to ensure adequate spacing, which prevents overcrowding and reduces the risk of fungal infections such as powdery mildew.

In terms of agricultural utility, borage is prized as a premier honey plant, attracting bees and pollinators throughout the blooming season, which often benefits nearby orchard crops. Beyond beekeeping, the plant is harvested for its oil-rich seeds, which contain high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). In culinary traditions, the young leaves are harvested for use in salads, soups, and refreshing beverages, providing a unique flavor profile.

When it comes to plant protection, borage is relatively hardy but can be susceptible to pests such as slugs, snails, and aphids, particularly in the seedling stage. Diseases like root rot or fungal leaf spots are primarily associated with excessive soil moisture and poor air circulation. Effective management involves implementing proper crop rotation, maintaining weed-free fields, and ensuring optimal drainage to support vigorous plant growth.