Symphytum agg
Russian Comfrey
Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. A large, pink/purple flowered invasive herbaceous perennial, often found on waste ground and in gardens. This plant belongs to an aggregate of hybrids.Flower colour distinguishes it from the native white flowered Common Comfrey, Symphytum officinale. The leaves and stems are very glandular. Traditionally used as a treatment for bruises and fractures, but internal use can cause liver damage. The nectaries at the bases of the long tubular flowers are inaccessible to bumblebees from the top. They regularly bite holes in the lower part of the petals to collect nectar, by-passing the anthers
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Symphytum agg, Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. Leaves and flowers. Village Green, Redmire. May.
Slide 2: Symphytum agg, Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. Plant. Village Green, Redmire. May.
Slide 3: Symphytum agg, Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. Large mass with Butterbur, Petasites hybridus. Water works, Hargill, Redmire. May.
Slide 4: Symphytum agg, Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. Flowers. Water works, Hargill, Redmire. May.
Slide 5: Symphytum agg, Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. Glandular hairs on leaf petiole. Village Green, Redmire. May.
Slide 6: Symphytum agg, Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. Tubular flower showing hole bitten by a Bumblebee. Village Green, Redmire. May.
Slide 7: Symphytum agg, Symphytum agg, Russian Comfrey. Section of tubular flower showing hole bitten by a Bumblebee. Nectaries are at the base of the petals. A single stigma (female) arises from the ovary. Anthers (male) are at the top of the petals. Village Green, Redmire. May.