Lappula is a noun that refers to a genus of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae. It is commonly known as the stickseed or beggar's lice. Lappula plants are typically annual or biennial herbs, native to regions in Europe, Asia, and North America. The genus consists of numerous species, with Lappula squarrosa being a particularly well-known and widespread species.
Lappula plants have small, inconspicuous flowers that are often blue or purple in color. The flowers are arranged in clusters and give way to fruits or seeds covered in tiny hooked bristles. These bristles easily attach to fur, clothing, or feathers, aiding in their dispersal. This characteristic has led to the common name "beggar's lice" as the clinging seeds can be seen as resembling lice or beggar's clothing.
Lappula plants are considered to be ruderal species, meaning that they are adapted to grow in disturbed or open habitats such as waste areas, roadsides, and fields. They are often seen as weeds due to their ability to colonize and spread rapidly in disturbed environments.
In some regions, Lappula plants have traditional medicinal uses. They are believed to possess properties that help alleviate ailments such as inflammation, skin disorders, and respiratory issues. However, the efficacy and safety of these traditional uses have not been extensively studied.
Overall, the term "lappula" refers to a genus of flowering plants with small, inconspicuous flowers, and their seeds that are covered in hooked bristles, aiding in their dispersal.
