Post by Creator on Oct 15, 2006 14:05:15 GMT -5
Rowan
Botanical name: Sorbus aucuparia
Other Names: Mountain Ash, Quicken Tree, Witch Tree, and Quickbeam
Associations
Celebrated Month: 21 January-17 February.
Element: Fire
Physical Description
Rowan is a fast-growing, short-lived deciduous tree, found high up in the mountains, (hence it is sometimes called “The Lady of the Mountain”). Although it prefers the heights, it can grow anywhere - Rowan has been planted in lowlands as well.
The shape of the tree resembles an Ash, however it is not related. A member of the Rose family, Rowan is related to Rose, Apple, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, and Cherry. Typically a small tree, it reaches a maximum height of 10 – 15 metres, (30 – 40 feet). It is slender in form, although mature trees can be quite substantial - an old rowan at Carnach Mor on the West Affric Estate has a trunk, which is over 40 cm. in diameter. Multi-stemmed forms are quite common, as a result of browsing by mammals and the subsequent production of basal shoots. The greyish-brown bark is smooth and shiny when wet, with dark raised dots or lenticels scattered across it. The branches are typically upward-pointing and terminate in ovoid, purplish buds, which are often covered in grey hairs.
The leaves grow in pairs and are long and slender. In May, Rowan blossoms into clusters of little creamy white flowers. The tree berries in autumn, with a bright red fruit beloved by birds.
The Rowan grows profusely in the Highlands of Scotland, and its’ bright red berry is said to inspire the red colour of the tartan plaids.
Etymology
Most sources maintain that the word “Rowan” is derived from the word ‘rune’, and ‘runa’. However, some say that ‘Rowan’ is a Scottish word, derived from the Gaelic ‘rudha-an’, which means “the red one”.
Culinary Usage
The Rowan berry is bitter, but when mixed with sugar or other sweet fruits, is excellent in pies, jelly or jam. The berries can also be made into juice and wine, providing vitamins A and C, carotene, pectin and essential oil, which all help to and stimulate the immune system.
Medicinal Usage
Medicinally, Rowan berries are a laxative, and can also be used for sore throats, inflamed tonsils, hoarseness, even diarrhoea. A decoction from the bark is used as an astringent.
Botanical name: Sorbus aucuparia
Other Names: Mountain Ash, Quicken Tree, Witch Tree, and Quickbeam
Associations
Celebrated Month: 21 January-17 February.
Element: Fire
Physical Description
Rowan is a fast-growing, short-lived deciduous tree, found high up in the mountains, (hence it is sometimes called “The Lady of the Mountain”). Although it prefers the heights, it can grow anywhere - Rowan has been planted in lowlands as well.
The shape of the tree resembles an Ash, however it is not related. A member of the Rose family, Rowan is related to Rose, Apple, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, and Cherry. Typically a small tree, it reaches a maximum height of 10 – 15 metres, (30 – 40 feet). It is slender in form, although mature trees can be quite substantial - an old rowan at Carnach Mor on the West Affric Estate has a trunk, which is over 40 cm. in diameter. Multi-stemmed forms are quite common, as a result of browsing by mammals and the subsequent production of basal shoots. The greyish-brown bark is smooth and shiny when wet, with dark raised dots or lenticels scattered across it. The branches are typically upward-pointing and terminate in ovoid, purplish buds, which are often covered in grey hairs.
The leaves grow in pairs and are long and slender. In May, Rowan blossoms into clusters of little creamy white flowers. The tree berries in autumn, with a bright red fruit beloved by birds.
The Rowan grows profusely in the Highlands of Scotland, and its’ bright red berry is said to inspire the red colour of the tartan plaids.
Etymology
Most sources maintain that the word “Rowan” is derived from the word ‘rune’, and ‘runa’. However, some say that ‘Rowan’ is a Scottish word, derived from the Gaelic ‘rudha-an’, which means “the red one”.
Culinary Usage
The Rowan berry is bitter, but when mixed with sugar or other sweet fruits, is excellent in pies, jelly or jam. The berries can also be made into juice and wine, providing vitamins A and C, carotene, pectin and essential oil, which all help to and stimulate the immune system.
Medicinal Usage
Medicinally, Rowan berries are a laxative, and can also be used for sore throats, inflamed tonsils, hoarseness, even diarrhoea. A decoction from the bark is used as an astringent.