Heracleum mantegazzianum

Giant hogweed, also known as false Ursina branca, is a member of the family Apiaceae native to the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Description

Like its name implies, is distinguished by its size, it reaches 2 to 7 m high. Other than its size is similar to Heracleum sosnowskyi and Angelica archangelica. It is distinguished by its hollow stems reaching 3-10 cm in diameter.

Flowers occur in late summer and dried seeds, elliptical, flattened and very numerous (between 1500-100000).

It is considered an invasive species in the United States, Germany, France, Norway, Belgium and Ireland.

Phototoxic potential, causes severe rashes and skin discolorations when, having made contact with villi, the sun's ultraviolet rays strike the same. These hives are added water blisters similar to burns, they can appear within the first 48 hours with a reddish color.

If contact does not try to treat yourself, contact your doctor, explain clearly that it is this plant, completely avoid the sun in the wounds.

Uses

Some North American tribes eat the tender stems of the plant, peeled and boiled.