Stachys Bochonok – a perennial herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family, also known as betony or "hare's ears". Reaching a height of 25–30 cm, it is convenient for use in bouquets and decorative compositions. The leaves are oval-elongated, softly pubescent, giving the plant a silvery hue, while flowers are gathered in loose terminal inflorescences, colored in white, cream, pink, purple, or lavender shades. Flowering occurs from June to August, sometimes until September.
Stachys Bochonok is characterized by a high content of dry matter – up to 30.5%. Inside the tubers are proteinaceous substances (up to 2.2%), amides (up to 1.7%) and carbohydrates (19%). Among carbohydrates, the unique tetrasaccharide stachyose is noted, possessing insulin-like action and contributing to a decrease in blood glucose levels. The tubers are rich in phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid (up to 12.49 mg) and macro-microelements, including potassium, silicon, iron, zinc and selenium.
These properties make Stachys Bochonok a valuable source for the prevention of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and oncological pathologies. The tubers have hypoglycemic, hypotensive, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and anti-metastatic action, while being low-toxic and can be used as raw material for creating functional products and phytopreparations. Due to drought resistance and unpretentious care, the plant grows easily on poor soils, but does not tolerate over-wetting. Optimal conditions – sunny or semi-shaded areas with moderately fertile, not too fertilized soil.
Stachys Bochonok is widely used in landscape design as a groundcover plant and a background for flowering perennials. Its compact growth and decorative leaves make it an ideal choice for group plantings, borders and small garden compositions.
