Anagallis foemina

Anagallis foemina, common name Poorman's Weatherglass, is a lowgrowing annual herbaceous plant of the genus Anagallis belonging to the
Myrsinaceae family.
Etymology
The genus name Anagallis derives from the Greek words ana meaning
"again" and agallein meaning "to delight in", possibly referring to the
fact that these plants produce flowers twice in a year and the flowers
open whenever the sun strikes them.[1] The species epithet foemina
means "female" and refers to the small size of the plant and the
gentleness of its appearance. The common name refers to the fact that
the flowers close at the approaching of the bad weather.[2]
Description
Anagallis foemina has weak, square and sprawling stems growing to
about 518 centimetres (2.07.1 in) long,[3] which bear bright green
sessile leaves in opposite pairs. The leaves are usually lance-shaped
about 711 mm (0.280.43 in) wide and 1216 mm (0.470.63 in) long,
although some leaves, especially the lowest, may be ovate.
The small flowers are about 8 mm (0.31 in) in diameter, have a short
stalk, are produced in the leaf axils and are usually blue, but
exceptionally they may be red. They have five lanceolate sepals and five
petals. The filaments are about 3 mm (0.12 in) long, with showy yellow
anthers. The flowering period extends from April to October.[3] The
hermaphroditic flowers are pollinated by insects (entomogamy). The fruit
is a spherical capsule up to 4 mm (0.16 in) in diameter containing about
15 seeds.[3]
This species should not be confused with the related Anagallis arvensis.
In 2007, a molecular phylogenetic study showed that Anagallis foemina
is more closely related to Anagallis monelli than to Anagallis arvensis,
and should be treated as a separate species.[4]
Anagallis foemina can be distinguished from Anagallis arvensis on the
basis of the hairiness and arrangement of the petals and by the length of
the flower stalk. In fact this species has just a few glandular hairs on the
margin of the petals, clearly separated one from another (never

imbricate). Furthermore the flower stalk is shorter (up to 1 cm). The

colour of the flowers is not a diagnostic character.[3]
Distribution
This cosmopolitan plant is native to central and southern Europe and has
been introduced in Africa, northern and eastern Asia, North and South
America and western Australia.[3]
Habitat
It grows in scrub, uncultivated soils and grasslands. It prefers dry,
nutrient- and lime-rich soils, at an altitude of 01,200 metres (03,900 ft)
above sea level.[3]

History and Meaning of White Rose

Primary Significance: Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality

With its pristine appearance, the white rose has come to symbolize
purity, innocence and secrecy. There are myths and legends from
several different cultures relating to the origin of the first rose which is
initially white in color and is then miraculously transformed. Oftentimes
the pure white rose was depicted as being stained by blood, or made to
blush from a kiss. The recurrence of this theme does a great deal to
establish the white rose as a symbol for purity.
Early traditions also used white roses as a symbol for true love, an
association which would later become the hallmark of the red roses.
However, white roses continue to endure and retain their symbolism of
innocence. White roses are now used to express a number of different
sentiments.
Also known as the bridal rose, the white rose is a traditional wedding
flower. In this sense, they are a representation of unity, virtue, and the
pureness of a new bond of love. White roses are also a symbol for young
love, which further strengthens the association, and makes them ideal
for marriages. Bridal bouquets are often comprised of white roses and
other white flowers.

White Roses: White is the color of purity and innocence. White

flowers are generally associated with new beginnings and make an ideal
accompaniment to a first-time bride walking down the aisle. White
flowers can be used to convey sympathy or humility. They also are
indicative of spirituality. Hence, white roses also follow suit.