Amsonia orientalis, the European bluestar, is a species of flower in the dogbane family. It is found in European Turkey, and may be extirpated from Greece.[2] Other historical populations appear to be lost. It is threatened by habitat loss, collection for ornamental use, and over-harvesting for research. It contains many glycosides and glycoalkaloids, and also has broad antimicrobial activity.

European bluestar
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Genus: Amsonia
Species:
A. orientalis
Binomial name
Amsonia orientalis
Synonyms[2]
  • Rhazya orientalis (Decne.) A.DC.
  • Rhazya thracica Davidov

Amsonia orientalis is the only European member of its genus. One other species (Amsonia elliptica (Thunb.) Roem. & Schult.) is found in East Asia,[3] while all the others are native to North America.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ Kavak, S. (2014). "Amsonia orientalis". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014. IUCN: e.T165189A22609470. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T165189A22609470.en. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
  2. ^ a b c Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  3. ^ Flora of China Vol. 16 Page 156 水甘草 shui gan cao Amsonia elliptica (Thunberg ex Murray) Roemer & Schultes, Syst. Veg. 4: 432. 1819.