|
The Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) belongs to Apiaceae (the Carrot family). It is a biennual herb that is believed to have originated in the western Caucasus. It is now naturalized throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. It grows in coastal areas and along riverbanks and grows 2 to 5 m tall. The stem is hollow with ribs and 3 to 8 cm in diameter. The leaves are triternate pinnately compound, and the lobes are further pinnately lobed. The base of the petiole has dark reddish purple spots and prominent coarse white hairs. From May to July, small white or greenish-white flowers bloom in compound umbels at the top of the stem. The stems, leaves, flowers, and roots of this plant contain furanocoumarin derivatives that causes phytodermatitis in humans.
|