Nonea

Nonea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae, commonly known as hairy comfreys. These plants are native to Europe and western Asia, with a few species extending into North Africa. They are characterized by their hairy, often rough, foliage and their brightly colored flowers, typically blue, purple, or sometimes pink. The genus name Nonea is derived from the Greek word "nonos," meaning "ninth," possibly referring to a perceived medicinal property or a number of species.

Species within the Nonea genus are generally herbaceous perennials or biennials. They typically grow in dry, open habitats such as grasslands, steppes, and rocky areas. The flowers are usually arranged in a scorpioid cyme, a characteristic inflorescence of the Boraginaceae family. The fruit is a small, nutlet that is typically smooth or slightly wrinkled.

Several Nonea species have a history of traditional medicinal use, particularly for their purported wound-healing properties, similar to other comfrey plants. However, like many plants in the Boraginaceae family, Nonea species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be toxic to the liver if ingested in significant quantities. Therefore, their medicinal use should be approached with caution. The genus is closely related to other genera within the Boraginaceae, such as Symphytum (true comfreys) and Borago (borage). Identification of specific Nonea species can sometimes be challenging due to their similarities and the variability within populations.