1165. <i>Echinacea purpurea</i> (L.) Moench

Summary Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (Compositae: Heliantheae: Zinniinae) is described and illustrated with a colour plate and black and white text figure. An introduction to the history of the appearance of this species in the Magazine appears in brief, together with comments on the treatment of the genus, and the available generic revisions. Notes are provided for the species' cultivation, propagation, likely pests and diseases, and availability, which includes a short list of the more commonly available cultivars. A full synonymy is given, along with type citations and known presence of type material, together with relevant notes. Selected illustrations of the species are cited, and statements of the species' distribution, habitat and ecology, phenology, etymology, conservation status and a lengthy list of vernacular names provided. Extensively grown as an ornamental and as a crop, naturalized material escaping from cultivation may well have extended the apparent range of the species. Also discussed and explained is the fact that what most people know as Echinacea purpurea is not that originally described by Linnaeus in 1753; Linnaeus' species is now correctly referred to as Echinacea laevigata . Discussions cover the lectotypification of the name Rudbeckia purpurea L., the over‐abundant use of the ‘drug’ known as ‘echinacea’, the apparent lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in many treatments, and the appropriate dosage rates and potential side effects. A warning is provided over the use of any plant material for medical purposes.