Family Name: Ruscaceae
Botanical Name(s): Convallaria majalis
Popular Name(s): Lily of the Valley, May Lily, May Bells, Conval
Lily
Parts Used: The complete plant
Habitat: Convallaria is found in Asia, Europe and North America.
Description: Convallaria is an herbaceous perennial plant with
stems that are sent up by rhizomes. The stems grow up to a height of
15-30 cm. Each stem possesses two leaves, 10-25 cm long and a raceme of
5-15 flowers on its apex. The flowers are generally white (rarely pink),
bell-shaped and are 5-10 mm in diameter. Its fruits are small red
berries with a diameter 5-7 mm.
Uses: Convallaria is used as a diuretic, laxative and
mucilaginous substance. It is effective in curing dropsy, epilepsy,
dizziness and convulsions.
