Alchemilla  (Alchemilla minima)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

This plant has no common English name but belongs to the well-known lady's mantle family. It was only recognised as a separate species in 1947, and today it is usually regarded as a variety of Alchemilla filicaulis, a widespread and very variable plant. A. minima is a diminutive plant, with leaves that are smaller than many other species in its family. However, it shares the family trait of having hairs on its leaves which catch the morning dew. This feature led to the origin of the family name. Alchemilla means 'little alchemist', and refers to the practice during the Middle Ages of trying to turn base-metals into gold. Alchemists required the purest dew for their experiments, which was gathered from the leaves of the lady's mantle. The medieval herbalists also used this dew for treating wounds. In the course of time, such a powerful and valuable plant became Christianised and was named 'Our Lady's Mantle'.

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