scrophulariae

Scrophulariae refers to the genus Scrophularia, commonly called figworts, a group of herbaceous flowering plants. In modern classifications, Scrophularia has been treated by some systems as part of Plantaginaceae, while others place it in Scrophulariaceae depending on the taxonomic framework used.

The genus comprises numerous species native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with a distribution that includes Europe, Asia, North Africa, and parts of North America. Plants are typically perennials or annuals with opposite leaves and erect, often angular stems. They are commonly found in damp habitats such as meadows, woodland edges, riverbanks, and hedgerows.

Flowers are small and tubular, usually greenish, brownish, or purplish, and are arranged in dense inflorescences along the upper stems or in leaf axils. They are primarily adapted to bee pollination and tend to bloom from summer to autumn.

Notable species include Scrophularia nodosa, the common figwort, and Scrophularia aquatica, the water figwort. These species are among the better known representatives of the genus in Europe and North America.

Etymology and historical use: the genus name derives from Latin scrophula, referring to scrofula, a historical term for lymph node disease. Traditional herbalists historically used figwort for skin conditions and for remedies associated with scrofula, giving the name to the group.

Modern evidence for medical efficacy is limited, and claims rely largely on folk traditions. Because species vary and potential toxicity exists, figworts are not recommended for unsupervised medicinal use.

Conservation and habitat status vary by species; some are common, while others are rare or threatened in parts of their range.