Research on the biology of Echinacea angustifolia (Dc.) Moench and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench

Abstract

Echinacea angustifolia (Dc.) Moench and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench species have been highly appreciated for their therapeutic qualities, both of them belong to the few plants of immunostimulative and antiviral properties. The adaptation and cultivation process of these plants has been initiated for medical purposes at the Cluj-Napoca Agronomy Institute. The biological researches evidenced the two species, multiplied by nursery transplant, formed a rosette of leaves during their first year of plantation. The first floral offshoots in Echinacea purpurea were seen during the months September and October (in approximately 40 percent of plants). Flowering Echinacea angustifolia appeared only sporadically the first year of cultivation. Leaves number and plant mass in both species increased markedly the first year of vegetation starting from August. Herba and radix ratio represented 74 percent and 26 percent respectively of the whole plant mass in Echinacea angustifolia and 87 percent and 13 percent respectively in Echinacea purpurea.