Family: Papaveraceae Genus: Fumaria  

Species: Fumaria muralis Sond. ex W.D.J.Koch

Common Name(s): common ramping fumitory, wall fumitory; (Spanish) conejito de los muros

.

Fumaria muralis, known as common ramping fumitory or wall fumitory, is a small herbaceous annual plant native to Europe and North Africa that has also been introduced to other regions of the world. Common ramping fumitory is a common weed that grows in disturbed areas such as gardens, fields, roadsides, and waste places.

Etymology

The genus name Fumaria comes from the Latin word “fūmus,” meaning smoke. The plant name relates to the translucent color of its flowers and the slightly grey-blue fog color of his foliage which draw images of smoke coming from the ground and hanging in the air.206

Fables, Folklore, and Mythology

In traditional European folklore, the plant was believed to have magical properties and was used in love spells and to make charms against evil spirits. It was also believed to have protective properties and was hung over doorways to ward off illness and bad luck.207

Traditional Medicine

In the island countries of Reunion and Mauritius, common ramping fumitory is used to treat eczema, acne, ringworm, scurvy, itch, wounds and conjunctivitis. It is also used as a laxative or purgative and has been found to have anti-diabetic and hypocholesterolaemic properties; a syrup made from the whole plant is given to children suffering from gastroenteritis.208

Ecology

Common ramping fumitory is one of the first plants to colonize bare or disturbed soils due to its ability to disperse its seeds over long distances, grow in nutrient-poor soils, and withstand drought.

This plant has a unique method of seed dispersal called ballochory. The seeds of the plant are contained in small, hard capsules, and when the seed pods are exposed to moisture, they burst open, scattering the seeds over wide areas. Once established, this small plant provides food and habitat for a variety of insects, including bees, butterflies, and moths.209