Circaea | |
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Circaea lutetiana | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Onagraceae |
Subfamily: | Onagroideae |
Tribe: | Circaeeae |
Genus: | Circaea Tourn. ex L. |
Synonyms[1] | |
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The Circaea, or enchanter's nightshades, are a genus of flowering plants in the evening primrose family Onagraceae.[1] About two dozen taxa have been described, including eight species. Plants of the genus occur throughout the temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Three taxa occur in North America: Circaea alpina, Circaea canadensis, and the hybrid Circaea × sterilis. The generic name Circaea refers to the enchantress Circe from Greek mythology who is said to have used the herb as a charm.