Cichorium Intybus

Scientific description

Encrust: Angiospermatophyta (Magnoliophyta)
Class: Dicotyledonatae (Magnoliatae)
Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Subfamily: Cichoroideae (Liguliflorae)
Origin: Europe – northern hemisphere

Description:
Perennial herbaceous species with thick upright roots. The aerial stems are tall, branched, with a rosette of elongated, irregularly notched leaves at the base. Lower stem leaves resemble the basal ones, while upper leaves are entire, sessile, elongated at the tip and cordate at the base. Inflorescences are terminal or axillary calyathids, composed of blue ligulate flowers.

Propagation: By seed, as soon as fruits reach physiological maturity.

Ecology:
In our country it is a common species, thriving in meadows, pastures, uncultivated places, bushes, roadsides, and railways, from the plains to the mountain region. Prefers sunny places with moderate humidity, resistant to drought and frost.

Use:
Both food and medicinal plant. Roasted root used as coffee substitute; some species cultivated for leaves (salads). Roots and aerial part contain inulin, essential amino acids, tannins; recommended in biliary dyskinesia, anorexia, constipation, furunculosis, acne, diabetes. Used also in teas (depurative effect) and as laxative purgative powder. Agriculturally valuable as fodder, an important component of hay.

Creative writing inspired by Cichorium Intybus

Written by Stici Anisia

The Chicory’s Promise

There once lived a brilliant fairy named Celestia in the lush countryside of France, tucked away among sunflower and wheat fields. She was the envy of everyone who saw her, her eyes the purest summer sky and her hair as golden as the sun. But what really made her stand out was her kind heart and gentle disposition, not just her attractive features.

A charming prince by the name of Julien noticed Celestia as she danced in the field amid the daisies one fateful day. Julien was drawn to Celestia by her elegance and charisma, and he was soon seduced by her unearthly charm. Despite the warnings of his advisors and the disapproval of his family, Julien vowed to make Celestia his bride.

Their love blossomed like the most delicate of flowers, but it was not to last. The king, fearing the repercussions of his son's union with a fairy, issued a decree forbidding their marriage. Heartbroken and desperate, Celestia sought the counsel of the wise elder fairies, who devised a plan to save her from the king's wrath.

Under the cover of night, Celestia was spirited away to the earth, where she would be safe from the king's reach. As dawn broke, she found herself transformed into a humble plant with delicate blue flowers and sturdy green leaves - the chicory plant.

Celestia took comfort in her new form even if her heart ached for her prince. She was determined to endure because she loved them, just as the chicory plant can survive in the most unforgiving environments. And thus, day by day, Celestia's love for Julien continued unwavering, her petals facing the sun in a never-ending dance of devotion.

Chicory flowers, so the legend goes, still hold the imprint of Celestia's eternal love, their petals mirroring the vivid colours of her formerly golden hair. And in the serene French countryside, where the fields extend for miles, the story of Celestia and her prince Julien endures, mumbled among the soft sound of chicory leaves in the breeze.

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Authentic Specimen