Melampyrum pratense

Melampyrum pratense L.

Common Cow-Wheat

Melampyrum pratense, commonly known as common cow-wheat, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It has an elaiosome on its seeds, which attracts wood ants (Formica spp.) that disperse the seeds. This plant is an indicator of ancient woodland, as ants typically do not carry the seeds far from their nests. The plant is also a food source for the caterpillars of the heath fritillary butterfly (Melitaea athalia).

Details

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Orobanchaceae

Genus:

Melampyrum

Chemistry:

The specific chemical components of Melampyrum pratense are not detailed in the provided source. However, it is known to have medicinal properties traditionally used in Austrian medicine for treating rheumatism and blood vessel calcification.

Uses:

Traditionally, the herb has been used internally as tea and externally as pillow filling for treating rheumatism and blood vessel calcification. It is also a food plant for the caterpillars of the heath fritillary butterfly.

Flowering time:

June to August

Sowing time:

Spring

Plant height:

30-60 cm

Flower color:

Yellow

Suitable habitat:

Woodlands, meadows, and grasslands

Info

Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.

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