Other Definitions
greater celandine (dict)
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Greater CelandineThe greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is a yellow-flowering poppy, native to Europe and the Mediterranean basin. It is also widespread in North America, having been brought there by settlers as a herbal remedy for skin problems such as warts as early as 1672. The whole plant is toxic, containing a range of alkaloids; it may also cause contact dermatitis, particulalry the sap. Greater celandine plants may reach 80 cm high, with deeply divided, 30-cm long leaves. The flowers comprise four yellow petals, each about 1 cm long, and are produced from May to July. The seeds are small and black, and possess an elaiosome, which attracts ants to disperse the seeds (myrmecochory). The greater celandine is the only species in the genus Chelidonium, and is not closely related to the lesser celandine, which is in a different famiy.
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