Cacyreus marshalli (Geranium Bronzei) which belongs to the family Lycaenidae, is a butterfly native to South Africa that recently arrived in Italy in the late 1980s (1). It is called "the plague of geraniums and pelargoniums" because of its ability to cause these and other flowers to die by laying eggs in the stems. In England it is called Geranium bronze. The color is in fact dark brown similar to bronze.

Introduced to Europe probably with a few batches of geraniums, it spread rapidly first to the Balearic Islands, then later to Spain, Italy and France.

The female lays round, white-colored eggs in the stems and twigs, and the larvae, light green in color, resembling small caterpillars, which

eat the containing

and make the flowers die.

The male is slightly longer reaching about 15 mm with a wingspan of 30 mm, while the female measures 12 mm long and has a wingspan of 24 mm.

It is equipped with a long brown proboscis about 3 mm long with which it sucks and pierces.

Distribution. Originally from southern Africa, this small butterfly has spread to Europe since the 1990s, becoming a well-known pest of geraniums.

Morphology.

Size: Its wingspan typically ranges between 1.5 to 2.3 cm.

Weight: The Geranium Bronze is lightweight, weighing just a few milligrams.

Colors: It sports brown wings with a slight lighter border. The underwings display small pale spots.

Life Cycle. The butterfly undergoes full metamorphosis. Geraniums and pelargoniums are the main host plants for the caterpillars, which bore tunnels into the plant stems, causing significant damage.

Dietary Habits. Caterpillars feed on the inner tissues of geraniums, while adult butterflies seek nectar from small flowers.

Conservation Status. Due to its rapid expansion and the abundant presence of geraniums as host plants, the Geranium Bronze has become quite common in many parts of Europe.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Rocchia E, Luppi M, Paradiso F, Ghidotti S, Martelli F, Cerrato C, Viterbi R, Bonelli S. Distribution Drivers of the Alien Butterfly Geranium Bronze (Cacyreus marshalli) in an Alpine Protected Area and Indications for an Effective Management. Biology (Basel). 2022 Apr 7;11(4):563. doi: 10.3390/biology11040563. PMID: 35453762; PMCID: PMC9027867.

Abstract. Cacyreus marshalli is the only alien butterfly in Europe. It has recently spread in the Gran Paradiso National Park (GPNP), where it could potentially compete with native geranium-consuming butterflies. Our study aimed to (1) assess the main drivers of its distribution, (2) evaluate the potential species distribution in GPNP and (3) predict different scenarios to understand the impact of climate warming and the effect of possible mitigations. Considering different sampling designs (opportunistic and standardised) and different statistical approaches (MaxEnt and N-mixture models), we built up models predicting habitat suitability and egg abundance for the alien species, testing covariates as bioclimatic variables, food plant (Pelargonium spp.) distribution and land cover. A standardised approach resulted in more informative data collection due to the survey design adopted. Opportunistic data could be potentially informative but a major investment in citizen science projects would be needed. Both approaches showed that C. marshalli is associated with its host plant distribution and therefore confined in urban areas. Its expansion is controlled by cold temperatures which, even if the host plant is abundant, constrain the number of eggs. Rising temperatures could lead to an increase in the number of eggs laid, but the halving of Pelargonium spp. populations would mostly mitigate the trend, with a slight countertrend at high elevations.

Herrero S, Borja M, Ferré J. Extent of variation of the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin reservoir: the case of the geranium bronze, Cacyreus marshalli butler (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Appl Environ Microbiol. 2002 Aug;68(8):4090-4. doi: 10.1128/AEM.68.8.4090-4094.2002.

Abstract. Despite the fact that around 200 cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis have already been cloned, only a few Cry proteins are toxic towards a given pest. A crucial step in the mode of action of Cry proteins is binding to specific sites in the midgut of susceptible insects. Binding studies in insects that have developed cross-resistance discourage the combined use of Cry proteins sharing the same binding site. If resistance management strategies are to be implemented, the arsenal of Cry proteins suitable to control a given pest may be not so vast as it might seem at first. The present study evaluates the potential of B. thuringiensis for the control of a new pest, the geranium bronze (Cacyreus marshalli Butler), a butterfly that is threatening the popularity of geraniums in Spain. Eleven of the most common Cry proteins from the three lepidopteran-active Cry families (Cry1, Cry2, and Cry9) were tested against the geranium bronze for their toxicity and binding site relationships. Using 125I-labeled Cry1A proteins we found that, of the seven most active Cry proteins, six competed for binding to the same site. For the long-term control of the geranium bronze with B. thuringiensis-based insecticides it would be advisable to combine any of the Cry proteins sharing the binding site (preferably Cry1Ab, since it is the most toxic) with those not competing for the same site. Cry1Ba would be the best choice of these proteins, since it is significantly more toxic than the others not binding to the common site.

Hamamelis Virginiana proved effective in a study to treat sensitive scalp. 1,373 patients, including 1233 women and 140 men, underwent a series of treatments from 2010 to 2013 with the extract of this plant and reported an improvement in subjective manifestations of irritation (1).

Despite its use in tattoo ink, the skin complications of tattooing are known, one of which is the "Sparing phenomenon", purple lesions (2).

Hamamelis virginiana has long been used in the traditional treatment of skin diseases. Its anti-inflammatory action has been confirmed with a suppression of sunburn by approximately 20% in 7 hours and 27% in 48 hours (3).

References_______________________________________________________________________

(1) Trüeb RM. North American Virginian Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Based Scalp Care and Protection for Sensitive Scalp, Red Scalp, and Scalp Burn-Out. Int J Trichology. 2014 Jul;6(3):100-3. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.139079.

(2) Pinal-Fernandez I, Solans-Laqué R. The 'sparing phenomenon' of purpuric rash over tattooed skin. Dermatology. 2014;228(1):27-30. doi: 10.1159/000356779. 

(3) Hughes-Formella BJ, Bohnsack K, Rippke F, Benner G, Rudolph M, Tausch I, Gassmueller J. Anti-inflammatory effect of hamamelis lotion in a UVB erythema test. Dermatology. 1998;196(3):316-22. doi: 10.1159/000017904.

Hamamelis Virginiana is a shrub that reaches an average height of 4 metres, but can grow to 8 metres. It flowers with yellow, ribbon-like flowers, each consisting of four petals. It produces fruit in the form of green seed capsules which become hard and woody and turn light brown as they ripen. No serious pest problems, which are quite rare on this shrub.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Used in cosmetics for hair care, in liquid soaps, As flowers and bark contain tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins, the distilled extract of Hamamelis Virginiana has a healing and astringent effect on inflamed skin.

Other applications

In ink used for tattoos (colour pigment, glycerine, Hamamelis Virginiana extract, water and alcohol)(1).

Hamamelis Virginiana studies

References_____________________________________________________________________________

(1) Dermatology. 2014;228(1):27-30. doi: 10.1159/000356779. Epub 2013 Dec 14.
The 'sparing phenomenon' of purpuric rash over tattooed skin.
Pinal-Fernandez I, Solans-Laqué R.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide attenuates cardiac hypertrophy, inhibits calpain-1 expression and inhibits NF-κB activation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Liu Q, Han Q, Lu M, Wang H, Tang F.
Exp Ther Med. 2019 Jul;18(1):509-516. doi: 10.3892/etm.2019.7612.

Effective extraction of flavonoids from Lycium barbarum L. fruits by deep eutectic solvents-based ultrasound-assisted extraction.
Ali MC, Chen J, Zhang H, Li Z, Zhao L, Qiu H.
Talanta. 2019 Oct 1;203:16-22. doi: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.05.012.

The Effects of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP) in a Mouse Model of Cerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis.
Xiong GF, Li DW, Zheng MB, Liu SC.
Med Sci Monit. 2019 May 25;25:3880-3886. doi: 10.12659/MSM.913820.

Phenylpropanoid glycosides from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. and their bioactivity.
Li QW, Zhang R, Zhou ZQ, Sun WY, Fan HX, Wang Y, Xiao J, So KF, Yao XS, Gao H.
Phytochemistry. 2019 Aug;164:60-66. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.04.017

Polysaccharide IV from Lycium barbarum L. Improves Lipid Profiles of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus of Pregnancy by Upregulating ABCA1 and Downregulating Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Transcription 1 via miR-33.
Yang S, Si L, Fan L, Jian W, Pei H, Lin R.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018 Feb 23;9:49. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00049.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides attenuate rat anti-Thy-1 glomerulonephritis through mediating pyruvate dehydrogenase.
Lu T, Zhao WE, Zhang F, Qi X, Yang Y, Gu C.
Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Aug;116:109020. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109020.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Lycium barbarum on polarized human intestinal epithelial cells.
Lee SR, Hwang HJ, Yoon JG, Bae EY, Goo KS, Cho SJ, Cho JA.
Nutr Res Pract. 2019 Apr;13(2):95-104. doi: 10.4162/nrp.2019.13.2.95.

Delay of cone degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa using a 12-month treatment with Lycium barbarum supplement.  Chan HH, Lam HI, Choi KY, Li SZ, Lakshmanan Y, Yu WY, Chang RC, Lai JS, So KF.  J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 May 23;236:336-344. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.03.023.

Protective Effects of Lycium barbarum Extracts on UVB-Induced Damage in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Accompanied by Attenuating ROS and DNA Damage.
Hsieh FC, Hung CT, Cheng KC, Wu CY, Chen YC, Wu YJ, Liu W, Chiu CC.
Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Nov 7;2018:4814928. doi: 10.1155/2018/4814928.

Effects of Lycium barbarum on the Visual System.
Manthey AL, Chiu K, So KF.
Int Rev Neurobiol. 2017;135:1-27. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.02.002

Goji berries are small juicy red fruits native to the Tibetan Himalayas and Northern China and they are born from two plants: Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense both belonging to the Solanaceae family.

In Chinese, they are called "gou qi" or "kei tze".

Goji are used in traditional Chinese medicine for about 2000 years. The oldest Chinese book on herbs, the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, mentions this, attributing therapeutic properties to these berries for their properties of keeping the body in shape and prolonging life and in particular, to counteract the lack of "yin" of the liver and kidneys.

In English, they are called "Wolfberry".

The plant, the Lycium barbarum, resists frost well and fruiting copiously.

The most recent scientific literature has focused interest on the root of Lycium barbarum in which polysaccharides can effectively counteract certain diseases such as hyperlipidemia and diabetes (2).

This study found a relative correlation between polyphenol content in a Goji extract and antioxidant and antineoplastic activity against breast cancer (2).

A 12-month treatment with Goji showed neuroprotective effect for the retina and could help delay or minimize cone degeneration in Retinitis pigmentosa (3).

Goji studies

References______________________________________________

(1) A Systematic Review of Potential Therapeutic Use of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides in Disease.  Kwok SS, Bu Y, Lo AC, Chan TC, So KF, Lai JS, Shih KC.  Biomed Res Int. 2019 Feb 12;2019:4615745. doi: 10.1155/2019/4615745.

(2) Antioxidant Activity and Antiproliferative Effects of Lycium barbarum's (Goji berry) Fractions on Breast Cancer Cell Lines.  Georgiev KD, Slavov IJ, Iliev IA.  Folia Med (Plovdiv). 2019 Mar 1;61(1):104-112. doi: 10.2478/folmed-2018-0053.

(3) Delay of cone degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa using a 12-month treatment with Lycium barbarum supplement.  Chan HH, Lam HI, Choi KY, Li SZ, Lakshmanan Y, Yu WY, Chang RC, Lai JS, So KF.  J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 May 23;236:336-344. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.03.023.

Lilac (Syringa) Overview:

Origin and Distribution: Lilacs are native to Eastern Europe and Asia and belongs to the Oleaceae family. However, due to their popularity, they have been cultivated and can now be found in many parts of the world.

Description: Lilacs are deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple leaves arranged in opposite pairs. The flowers are small, usually with a four-lobed corolla and are typically grouped in dense panicles.

Bloom Time: Most lilacs bloom in the late spring, and their flowers are renowned for their fragrance. However, the exact bloom time can vary based on the specific species and local climate conditions.

Cultivars and Varieties: There are over 20 species in the genus Syringa, and numerous cultivars have been developed. Some popular species and cultivars include:

• Syringa vulgaris: The common lilac, which comes in various colors, from purple to white.
• Syringa meyeri: Known as the dwarf Korean lilac. It has smaller panicles of flowers and is compact in growth.
• Syringa reticulata: The Japanese tree lilac, which grows taller than most other species and has creamy white flowers.

Care and Maintenance: Lilacs prefer a location with full sun (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily) and well-draining soil. They're fairly hardy, but it's essential to prune them regularly, preferably just after flowering, to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth.

Uses: Lilacs are primarily ornamental plants and are often planted in gardens, parks, and hedges. Besides their aesthetic appeal, lilacs have been used in perfumes because of their lovely fragrance. In some cultures, lilac flowers are used symbolically; for instance, they can represent love or the coming of spring.

Pests and Diseases: Lilacs can be susceptible to a few pests like lilac borers and scales, and diseases like powdery mildew or bacterial blight. Regularly checking your lilacs and maintaining good garden hygiene can help in prevention.

Symbolism: Throughout history, lilacs have been used to symbolize various emotions and events. For instance, in the language of flowers (floriography), the lilac symbolized the emotions of early love.

Cultural Impact: Lilacs have had a significant impact in literature and art. The flowers' transient beauty and remarkable scent have made them a popular subject for poets, painters, and songwriters.

Camellia japonica or Camellia, is a flowering shrub, a small tree native to Japan, Korea and China. It belongs to the Theaceae family and is known for its flowers, which appear from winter to spring.

The beauty of Camellia japonica lies in its vibrant flowers and texture. The flowers, which appear from January to March, can vary in color from white to pink to red. They can be single, semi-double or double, depending on the variety.

The leaves are another strong point of the plant. They are glossy dark green and evergreen, which means the plant provides an interesting foliage feature year-round.

Camellia japonica seed oil, also known as tsubaki oil in Japan, is highly valued for its moisturizing properties. It is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid, and contains vitamin E and polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Tsubaki oil is used in a variety of skin care products, including creams, lotions, and soaps.

Cultivation of Camellia japonica requires some attention. The plant prefers acidic, well-drained soils and should be planted in a location where it is protected from hot, dry afternoon sun. Although it is a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to a number of diseases and pests, including camellia leaf spot, root rot and spider mites.

However, with proper care and attention, Camellia japonica can become a wonderful addition to the garden, offering beautiful winter and spring flowers and attractive foliage year-round.

 Medical

Studies

Camellia species are considered in the scientific literature to be natural sources of antioxidant compounds and in particular with increased activity in flowers where a relevant presence of phenolic acids and flavonol glycosides has been noted (1).

As antibiotic resistance has become a worldwide problem, research tends to turn to natural sources, and many studies have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Camellia japonica against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (2).

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Lee, H. H., Cho, J. Y., Moon, J. H., & Park, K. H. (2011). Isolation and identification of antioxidative phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides from Camellia japonica flowers. Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology, 52, 270-277.

Abstract. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) layer of the hot water extracts of Camellia japonica flowers was found to have higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity than the other solvent layers. Nine phenolic compounds were isolated and purified from the EtOAc layer by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and octadecyl silane-high performance liquid chromatography using a guided DPPH radical-scavenging assay. The isolated compounds were identified as 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (1), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), 2,3-digalloyl-O-α-D-glucopyranoside (4), 2,3-digalloyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (6), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (8), and kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), based on mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Four compounds (6–9) had been previously identified in the leaves of this plant, but other compounds (1–5) were newly isolated from this plant. Their DPPH radical-scavenging activities based on the 50% scavenging concentration decreased in the following order: 4 = 5 (4.7 μM) > 1 (9.8 μM) > 6 = 7 (8.2 μM) > α-tocopherol (24.7 M) > ascorbic acid (25.1 μM) > 2 (35.6 M) > 3 = 8 = 9 (> 250 μM). Quercetin glycosides (6, 7), gallic acid (1) and its glucosides (4, 5) showed higher DPPH radical-scavenging activities than other compounds. These results indicate that the antioxidant effect of C. japonica flowers may be attributable to quercetin glycosides and gallic acid derivatives. These isolated compounds will be useful in basic studies of plant physiology, food manufacturing, and biological function of C. japonica flowers.

(2) Kim KY, Davidson PM, Chung HJ. Antibacterial activity in extracts of Camellia japonica L. petals and its application to a model food system. J Food Prot. 2001 Aug;64(8):1255-60. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x-64.8.1255. 

Abstract. The potential presence of naturally occurring antimicrobials in petals of Camellia japonica L., a member of the tea family, was investigated against foodborne pathogens in microbiological media and food. Petals of the camellia flower (C. japonica L.) were extracted with methanol and fractionated into basic, acidic, and neutral fractions. The acidic fraction (equivalent to 1.0 g of raw sample per disk) produced an inhibitory zone of 14 to 19 mm (diameter) in a disk assay against the pathogens Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus on agar plates. Silica gel adsorption column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative purification by high-pressure liquid chromatography were used to purify compounds in the fraction. The mass spectrum of the antibacterial compound isolated had a molecular ion (M+) of m/z 116 and showed good conformity with the spectrum of fumaric acid (HOOC-CH=CH-COOH). An aqueous extract from the petals of C. japonica L. had an inhibitory effect on growth of all pathogens at 37 degrees C in microbiological media by increasing the lag phase. None of the microorganisms was inhibited completely. Milk was used as a model food system. Aqueous extract at a concentration of 100 mg/ml was bacteriostatic against all the foodborne pathogens in the milk stored at 25 degrees C for up to 4 days.