fumitory

Fumitory is a common name for several species of herbaceous plants in the genus Fumaria, belonging to the poppy family Papaveraceae. The most well-known species is Fumaria officinalis, often referred to as common fumitory. These plants are typically found in disturbed habitats, such as fields, wastelands, and roadsides, across Europe and parts of Asia.

The plants are characterized by their delicate, finely divided leaves and their distinctive, pea-like flowers. The flowers are usually pink or purplish, with darker tips, and bloom from spring to autumn. Fumitory species are generally annual or perennial herbs that can sprawl or climb. The name "fumitory" is believed to derive from the Latin word "fumus," meaning smoke, possibly due to the hazy appearance of the plants or the belief that their juice, when squeezed from the hand, resembled smoke.

Historically, fumitory has been used in traditional medicine. It was thought to have diuretic and laxative properties, and was applied externally to treat skin conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting these medicinal claims is limited, and it is not widely recognized as a medicinal plant in modern herbalism. The plant contains various alkaloids, but their pharmacological effects are not fully understood. Fumitory is not typically cultivated as a crop and is considered a weed by some gardeners.