Flora - Common Primrose and Cowslip Primrose

The common primrose (Primula vulgaris) is an herbaceous perennial. It is one of the earliest flowering plants, while its name is derived from Old Latin and means first rose. The bisexual bright yellow flowers are on long stalks covered with hair. It is a medicinal plant and its flowers, leaves and roots are collected and made into tea. It is widespread in western and southern Europe, north-west Africa and south-west Asia.

The cowslip primrose (Primula veris) is also an herbaceous perennial and, in contrast to the common primrose, it has flowers that are arranged in an inflorescence at the top of the stem. The green oblong leaves can grow up to 20 cm. A single plant can have multiple stems bearing bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers with orange dots. The common primrose contains a number of medicinal substances such as saponins in the root, but also in other parts of the plant. It grows in Europe and North America.

(Željka Šaravanja)