Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Sapindales Family: Sapindaceae Genus: Aesculus Species: A. hippocastanumCommon name: Horse chestnut Edible Parts: Seed Life cycle: Perennial Light: It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Native Range : North Europe, Greece Albania. Naturalized in Britain Habitat: Mountain woods Description: Aesculus are woody plants from 4 to 36m tall (depending on species), and have stout shoots with resinous, often sticky, buds, opposite, palmately divided leaves. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It requires dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution. Medicinal Uses: Alterative, Analgesic, Antiinflammatory, Astringent, Bach; Diuretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Haemostatic, Narcotic, Tonic, Vasoconstrictor, Vulnerary. |