Anchusa

Anchusa is a genus of herbaceous annual, biennial, and perennial plants in the borage family, Boraginaceae. The genus is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Species within Anchusa are commonly known as alkanet or bugloss. These plants are characterized by their typically hairy leaves and showy, funnel-shaped flowers, most often in shades of blue, but also pink and white.

The leaves of Anchusa species are often lance-shaped and can be either basal or arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers are borne in terminal cymes or scorpioid spikes. Each flower typically has five petals fused into a tube, with a prominent throat and stamens. The fruit is a small, hard nutlet, common to the Boraginaceae family.

Several Anchusa species have historical and medicinal uses. For instance, Anchusa tinctoria was historically used as a source of red dye, often referred to as Spanish-bugloss or Alkanet root. Some species have been used in folk medicine for various ailments, though scientific evidence for efficacy is often limited.

Cultivated Anchusa species are often grown for their ornamental value in gardens. They generally prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Some species are quite hardy, while others may require overwintering protection in colder climates. Common garden varieties include Anchusa azurea, known for its vibrant blue flowers. The genus is also known to attract pollinators such as bees.