Coralroot

Coralroot (Cardamine bulbifera) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family. Its fertile flowers ranging in white, pink or purple colours, are hermaphrodite. The perianth is double, with radial symmetry. The sepals are separated in two circles with two sepals on each. The four petals are in the typical for this family cross-like arrangement (hence the old name of the family Cruciferae, meaning "cross-bearing").

The species‘rhizome is a creeping rootstalk, covered with thick scales. The stem is erect without leaves at the base, approximate height of 30 to 70 cm. The lower leaves are lobed as the top ones are linear. The difference in the shape and size of the leaves is called heterophilia and is common in representatives of the Brassicaceae family. The fruit of Cardamine bulbifera is dry and easy cracking, it represents a straight pod with many seeds. When the fruits ripen the pods split and fire out seeds.

The name of the plant in Bulgarian "Lukovichen Zubnik" (en: Bulbous Toothwort) comes from its black bulbs appearance (modified buds) located in the axils of the leaves and inflorescence.
The species is also known by another Latin name Dentaria bulbifera.

The Coralroot can be found throughout the Bulgarian territory, in shady deciduous forests and thickets, preferring medium and moderately fertile moist soil. The species is included in the list of medical plants, which conservation and sustainable use is governed by the Law on Medicinal Plants.

Bojana Ribarova