Weird and wonderful members of the plant kingdom - Evening Primrose

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis), also known as evening star, produces little yellow flowers that bloom for only one night and then wither and die. It has many health uses, but the really remarkable thing about the Evening Primrose, for the gardener, is that it opens only at dusk and as the buds burst into flower they do it so literally they can be both seen, and heard! They actually open so explosively that the unfurling petals make a noise like a soap bubble bursting!

The seeds for this plant are used to produce evening primrose oil (EPO), an excellent source of the omega-6 essential fatty acid. Evening primrose oil has been proven to be an effective treatment for many skin disorders, and may also help prevent diseases involving the breasts and central nervous system. Several studies have shown that oral supplements containing evening primrose oil can help heal skin conditions that involve inflammation and have been linked to the body's autoimmune response, including eczema and dermatitis, and it has been approved for treatment of these conditions in several European countries. EPO is used for breast pain and cysts, and is thought to be particularly effective in fighting the cyclical breast pain that often accompanies premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is also being studied for use as a treatment for other uncomfortable, hormone-induced symptoms that can accompany PMS and menopause, such as excessive cramping and hot flashes.

The anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting action of evening primrose oil makes it a potential treatment for other disorders characterized by pain and inflammation, such as Raynaud's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. One study showed that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking up to twelve capsules per day of evening primrose oil were able to cut back significantly on their use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Not bad for a plant that opens with a pop.

Evening Primrose photograph by plumbum, used under a creative commons attribution licence