Definitive series "Flowers" - Foxglove - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 2019 - 370 Euro Cent

The Red Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), first described in 1753 by the Swedish naturalist Carl von Linné, belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to Western and Central Europe as well as parts of North Africa. In Germany, the plant with its strikingly shaped flowers can be found mainly on forest edges and forest paths, in clearings and clearings. Since the 16th century the graceful perennial has been planted in ornamental gardens and also blends harmoniously into farm gardens. In 2007, the Red Foxglove, whose plant parts are all highly poisonous, was voted poisonous plant of the year. But at the same time it is a medicinal plant that can save lives: It contains glycosides that have a positive effect on the contractility of the heart muscles and regulate heart rate. Digitoxin, an active ingredient extracted from the thimble, is used to treat heart failure and is tested in tumor treatment. Homeopathy also uses digitalis to treat heart disease.