We have all heard the phrase, "things are not always what they seem", well, there is no better example of this statement than nature. Lately, I have come across several cases that validate it, for example, sometimes we find plants that deceive us, what we apparently perceive as their flowers, are not. Such is the case of the perennial weed belonging to the botanical family of Amaranthaceae, scientifically called Gomphrena Perennis. This herb is one of the 100 species belonging to the Gomphrena genus, and surely, you will not identify it by its official name, since it is known by a great diversity of popular names.

It is an herbaceous species native to tropical areas of Asia and the United States, as well as Central and South America, the West Indies and Australia. And as already mentioned in the previous paragraph, depending on the region where it lives, its name may vary, being commonly identified by one of the following names: Everlasting, Perennial Amaranth, Jupiter's Eyes, Feather, St. Lucia Flower, White Mallow, Pointed Grass, Violetilla, Wild Violet, Ocucha, Globose Amaranth, Amaranthine, Round Amaranth, Prayer Flower, Dry Love, Don Diego, Paper Flower and Chicken Weed. In short, as you can read, there are many nicknames by which this very attractive ornamental plant can be popularly known.

This perennial herb has an upright growth, which can reach approximately 80 cm high, has woody roots, buried in the ground at a shallow depth. On the other hand, its plump and tubular stem is very branched, it is covered with small and very fine hairs. In the case of the branches, these present bulging nodules from where their leaves emerge contrasting in an intense green color, which contrasts beautifully with the color of its inflorescences. Its leaves are elongated and narrow with an oval shape, and measure between 6 and 10 cm long, and as in the case of the stems, are covered with a kind of very fine hairiness. This whitish coating allows it to retain the dew drops, but curiously, as the plant gets older, they gradually disappear.

Returning to the subject of deception, what at first glance we believe to be its showy flowers, is nothing more than a kind of spherical skeleton, covered with bracts, in white color, tinged with lilac. For those who do not know the term, the bracts are a kind of specialized leaves that develop near the flowers and its function is to protect it, because usually the real flowers are very small. Now, if you take a closer look at the images I present, you will discover the tiny yellow and white trumpet-shaped flowers that shyly peek out between the bracts. Another remarkable fact about the inflorescences of this plant is that its flowers are very long-lived, hence one of its names and perhaps the most popular "Immortelle". In addition, it has an extensive flowering period, delighting us almost all year round with their curious flower buds.

In another order of ideas, now let's talk a little about its uses, which according to what I read is a very interesting topic, since it is not only used in the ornamental field, it also has medicinal uses. Of course, its main value is at the ornamental level, the resistance and low demands of the plant, coupled with its easy reproduction through seeds, makes it ideal for gardening. They are perfect to place in pots or to form plant fillers, they are even very sought after to make decorations from their dried flowers. Even in the Yucatan Peninsula they have a traditional celebration called Hanal Pixan, where the decoration is based mainly on the flowers of the Gomphrena Perennis.

Now, let's talk a little about the properties attributed by herbal medicine to this plant, in the first instance I will refer specifically to the flowers. Of these, it is said that they have purifying, relaxing, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, so, it is said that its infusions help to control the levels of hypertension, rheumatism, kidney disease, heart and nervous conditions. On the other hand, the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of its leaves, according to ancient times, are used to relieve skin diseases such as scabies, herpes, among other conditions, as well as to treat insect bites.

Finally, I would like to comment a little about the care and requirements for the proper development of this plant, although I must emphasize that it is not very demanding. Naturally, being a plant, whose natural habitat is located in tropical places, it supports quite well the heat and periods of drought. However, it is advisable to water it moderately, avoiding waterlogging, as this could cause its roots to rot. On the other hand, its robust roots have the peculiarity of allowing it to store reserves of substances, which, if necessary, help it to generate shoots after the end of unfavorable conditions. Although it only reproduces through seeds, the speed and high germination feasibility of the same, makes its reproduction very efficient, only requiring minimal exposure to the sun.

Now that the mystery has been cleared up, it's time to say goodbye, hoping that my new submission will be to the liking of this wonderful nature-loving community. Especially my friend Hive account@adalger, and his work team, since it will be my entry for this week's contest Amazing Nature Contest - September 2021 - #01. Well dear friends, I can only say goodbye, wishing you an excellent week and that all the projects you undertake are fulfilled. Remember to take good care of yourselves and your loved ones by putting into practice the biosecurity measures.

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