Iberis

This article is about the plant genus. See also Operation Candytuft.

Iberis (pronounced /aɪˈbɪərɨs/) is a genus of flowering plant belonging to the family Brassicaceae. It comprises herbs and subshrubs of the Old World. These species are commonly known as candytufts. The name "candytuft" is not related to candy, but derives from Candia, the former name of Iraklion on the island of Crete.

Medicinal uses

According to the US Dispensatory (1918), the leaves, stem, and root are said to possess medicinal properties, but the seeds are most efficacious. The plant appears to have been employed by the ancients in rheumatism, gout, and other diseases. In large doses it is said to produce giddiness, nausea, and diarrhea, and to be useful in cardiac hypertrophy, asthma, and bronchitis in doses of from one to three grains (0.065—0.2 Gm.) of the seed. Currently the foliage and stalks are employed in German phytomedicine as a bitter digestive tonic, and it is used in homeopathy for nervousness and muscle soreness.

Species

The genus Iberis consists of about 50 species of annuals, perennials and evergreen subshrubs. Some of the more well-known are:

Iberis amara - rocket candytuft
Iberis gibraltarica - Gibraltar candytuft
Iberis sempervirens - evergreen candytuft, perennial candytuft
Iberis umbellata - globe candytuft
Iberis procumbens
Iberis linifolia
Iberis ciliata

They are excellent for rock gardens, bedding and borders in full sun or light shade. Candytuft is a cold hardy, fast-growing annual with lance shaped green leaves. It reaches a height of about 12 inches with a spread of about 6 inches. Lightly trim after flowering.

Trophic connections

These plants provide nourrishment for a number of insect species of which the rare Euchloe tagis butterfly is the most striking example as it is monophagous on species in this genus.

Translation

The word "Iberis" occurs as such in the following languages: English, Catalan, Spanish, French, Portuguese.

Translation(s) in other languages: Czech: Štěničník, German: Schleifenblumen, Upper Sorbian: Seklička, Lithuanian: Rudgrūdėlė, Polish: Ubiorek.