agronom.info agronomy portal
Reference · Crops

Boraginaceae

414 sections — choose below or search on the left.

Main sections

Tournefortia14 Tiquilia6 Trigonotis6 Solenanthus5 Rindera4 Varronia4 Rochefortia2 Comfrey2 Rochelia1 Rotula1 Stenosolenium1 Trachystemon1 Trichodesma1 Wigandia1
414 sections

Results

French lungwort Pulmonaria affinis Apennine lungwort Pulmonaria apennina Southern lungwort Pulmonaria australis Carnic lungwort Pulmonaria carnica Hill lungwort Pulmonaria collina Pulmonaria filarszkyana Pulmonaria filarszkyana Lungwort hybrid Pulmonaria hybrids Kerner's lungwort Pulmonaria kerneri Soft lungwort Pulmonaria mollissima Mountain lungwort Pulmonaria montana Unspotted lungwort Pulmonaria obscura Oval-leaved lungwort Pulmonaria ovalis Styrian lungwort Pulmonaria stiriaca Pulmonaria vallarsae Pulmonaria vallarsae Visiani's Lungwort Pulmonaria visianii Rindera Rindera 4 items Rochefortia Rochefortia 2 items Rochelia Rochelia 1 item Rotula Rotula 1 item Solenanthus Solenanthus 5 items Stenosolenium Stenosolenium 1 item Comfrey Symphytum L. 2 items Bohemian comfrey Symphytum bohemicum Caucasian comfrey Symphytum brachycalyx Tuberous Comfrey Symphytum bulbosum Caucasian comfrey Symphytum caucasicum Heart-leaved comfrey Symphytum cordatum Cretan comfrey Symphytum creticum Symphytum floribundum Symphytum floribundum Large-flowered comfrey Symphytum grandiflorum Hybrid comfrey Symphytum hybrids Island comfrey Symphytum insulare Common comfrey Symphytum officinale Oriental comfrey Symphytum orientale Ottoman comfrey Symphytum ottomanum Russian comfrey Symphytum peregrinum Crimean comfrey Symphytum tauricum Tuberous comfrey Symphytum tuberosum Tiquilia Tiquilia 6 items Tournefortia Tournefortia 14 items Trachystemon Trachystemon Trachystemon Trachystemon D. Don 1 item Trichodesma Trichodesma 1 item Trichodesma africanum Trichodesma africanum Trichodesma amplexicaule Trichodesma amplexicaule Trichodesma boissieri Trichodesma boissieri Trichodesma calcaratum Trichodesma calcaratum Trichodesma dekindtianum Trichodesma dekindtianum Trichodesma ehrenbergii Trichodesma ehrenbergii Trichodesma incanum Trichodesma incanum Trichodesma physaloides Trichodesma physaloides Trigonotis Trigonotis 6 items Varronia Varronia 4 items Wigandia Wigandia 1 item

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.