This photo was shot outdoors at
Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve in a sheltered spot by the side
of the activity centre, at the beginning of August when the
sun was still pretty high in the sky. The background was
several feet behind the Burdock so I was able to use an
aperture of f/11 to ensure the flowers were sharp throughout,
combined with metering on the brightest parts of the leaves
where they were lit from the sun being directly overhead, I
was able to isolate the flower completely from the dark hedges
behind and thus ensure a completely black background.
The name Burdock derives from 2
words - the latin word 'burra' meaning lock of wool and the
English word 'dock' which refers to the huge leaves. The burra
part of the name may be in reference to the fact that sheep
and other animals would often find these burrs snagging on
their coats. Lesser Burdock is believe to be the inspiration
for the invention of Velcro as Swiss engineer George De
Mestral was removing said burrs from his dogs fur and noticed
the loops and hooks and reaslied they could be replicated to
good effect.
Since the
middle ages Burdock is believed to be valuable in the
treatment of several diseased and other common ailments. There
are four species of Burdock but it is only the Greater and
Lesser Burdock which are cultivated specifically for their
herbal properties - almost all parts of the Burdock plant are
used either for medical or culinary purposes.
Burdock roots contain both vitamin
C and E, folic acid, riboflavin and niacin in addition to
several important minerals: iron, manganese, magnesium and
small amounts of zinc, calcium and phospherous. The Burdock
herb is used in the treatment of skin conditions such as
eczema and psoriasis, as a digestive stimulant, and various
throat and chest ailments. In Japan is it locally known as
'Gobo' and is made into a soup which is believed to prevent
cancer, cure diabetes and low blood pressure, and overcome
hangovers. |