Artemisia is a genus of the sunflower (asteraceae) family, which belongs to the Asterales order of the plant (plantae) kingdom. This perennial plant, comprised mainly of aromatic herbs and shrubs, is more commonly called mugwort, wormwood, sagebrush, and sagewort. It grows in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere—normally in semi-dry or dry habitats.
There are about 200 to 400 known species of Artemisia. Depending on its species, the plant can grow from two to five feet tall. It has leaves that are usually green or silvery white in colour and five to 20 centimetres in length. Its stems are purplish in colour and its roots are woody. Most species that belong to the genus are characterised by fern-like leaves, which are covered with white feathery hairs. The plant’s flowers are often small, roughly 5 millimetres in length, and are pale yellow or reddish in colour.
Generally, the plant is grown to decorate gardens due to its highly attractive appearance. On the other hand, several species that have aromatic leaves are used as medicine and flavouring. Similarly, some species have roots that taste acrid and sweet. The plant also contains alcohol and essential oils such as terpenes and its derivatives; including: a-cardinol, borneol, camphor, cineol, linalool, sesquiterpenes, terpineole, and thujone.
Here are some of the most popular species of Artemisia: Artemisi dracunculus (Tarragon), used in French cuisine; Artemisia absinthium (Absinth Wormwood), used in brewing beer or wine and as medicine; and Artemisia arborescens (Tree Wormwood), used in preparing teas and believed to have some hallucinogenic properties.
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