Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Silene
Species: Silene colorata
Common Name(s): pink campion, Spanish catchfly; (Spanish) colleja colorada; (Galician) camiña rosa
.
Silene colorata, commonly known as pink campion or Spanish catchfly, is native to the western Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, Portugal, France, and North Africa. It is commonly found in rocky or sandy habitats, including coastal cliffs, dry slopes, and disturbed areas. It blooms from January to June. At dusk the flowers looks like fireflies with pink wings dancing in the wind, but during the midday heat they close.177
Etymology
The genus name Silene comes from the Latin sileni; sileno. Silenus was an ancient Greek woodland deity who was a companion, tutor, and adoptive father to the wine god Dionysus, who is commonly depicted with an inflated belly. Plants of the genus Silene are swollen during the fruit process, similar to the belly of Dionysus.
The term colorata comes from Latin and means colorful or painted, alluding to the reddish color of the flower’s petals.
The common name “catchfly” refers to various flowering plants in the genus Silene, particularly those with sticky stems that trap small insects, such as flies and gnats that come into contact with them.178
Traditional Medicine
Pink campion has a rich history in traditional medicine, serving various purposes. Its potential expectorant properties have made it a remedy for easing symptoms of coughs, bronchitis, and respiratory issues. Also, having anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial attributes, it has been applied topically as a poultice or infusion to address skin conditions like wounds, cuts, and burns. Additionally, its analgesic qualities have been harnessed for natural pain relief from mild to moderate discomfort, while its antimicrobial activity has been explored in combating specific bacterial and fungal infections.179
Gastronomy
Pink campion is considered edible, particularly when it is young and tender. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are sometimes added to salads or used as a cooked green. The young shoots and stems are also edible. However, within the Silene genus, pink campion is not the most chosen for meals; that honor goes to bladder campion (Silene vulgaris), better known in Spain as “collejas.”180
Ecology
Silene species, including pink campion, produce nectar-rich flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies, moths, bees, and other insects.