Borago officinalis L.

Code

BOROF

Growth form

Broadleaf

Biologica cycle

Annual

Habitat

Terrestrial

Algeria: Borago officinalis germinates in autumn-winter; flowering takes place from March to September.
Morocco: Borago officinalis flowers from February to June.

Borago officinalis is an annual species.

Borago officinalis reproduces by seed.

Borago officinalis is a clithochorous species (seeds spread over very short distances).

Borago officinalis can grow up to 60 cm high.

Borago officinalis is a C3 species.

Algeria: Borago officinalis is a very uncommon species in all annual and perennial crops, but more present in ruderal habitats in the north of the country, which is confirmed by the profusion of vernacular names. This species has a preference for clayey-marl soils rich enough in nitrogen.
Morocco: Borago officinalis is a fairly common species. It is a nitrophilous, ruderal species that thrives in pastures, wasteland and crops at altitudes of 0 to 1,500 m.

Terrestrial species.

Local harmfulness

Algeria: Borago officinalis is a minor "weed". Uncommon and not very abundant, it does not generally constitute a nuisance for the crop.

Agronomic: Honey plant providing abundant nectar.
Food: The young leaves of Borago officinalis are harvested from December to March to be used as a condiment. Chopped, incorporated into vinaigrette, mayonnaise, soups (due to its mucilaginous properties), in herb butter, they bring a fresh and fine aroma reminiscent of cucumbers; this is why Borago officinalis is sometimes called "cucumber grass". The more mature leaves are stuffed like vine leaves (dolma) or cooked in fritters. The flowers are used to flavour salads.
Medicinal: The term "borage" comes from the Arabic bou rache = father of sweat, alluding to the diaphoretic properties of this plant. From the seeds, an oil is extracted that is interesting for nourishing the skin (maintaining its suppleness and radiance) and is suitable for preventing eczema, erythema and dermatitis.