Prothorax alpinum (Leontopodium alpinum)

Other names: alpine mould, alpine star, ice queen, silver star, lion's paw, maiden tears, upper tear, alpine mould, shin mould, Edelweiß

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

Alpine mallow, also known as alpine mallow, alpine star, ice queen, silver star, lion's paw, maiden's tears, upper mallow, alpine mallow, shin mallow or Edelweiß, is a plant of the star family, distinguished by its showy, white-furred flowers. Native to the mountains of Europe, this plant is found mainly in the Alps, but also in the Pyrenees, Carpathians, Jura, Balkans and Caucasus. Despite being the symbol of the Alps and considered to be one of the most famous floral symbols of the mountains, the Alpine Protégé is now threatened with extinction in some areas, mainly due to excessive picking. To protect it, it is classified as a specially protected species in some countries, including the Czech Republic.

It is a traditional Alpine plant with many uses. Above all, however, it is a beautiful ornamental plant that is grown both in gardens and in the wild. The individual parts of the plant can also be used in gastronomy, for example to make liqueurs or teas. The flowers are also sometimes used to make a so-called 'protézia', which is ideal as an original gift. The flowers of this plant are commonly dried and used in decoration. In some areas of the Alpine countries, the flowers are also known for their effects in folk medicine. Cosmetic products are another type of product in which gilt can be found. In particular, in the field of organic and natural cosmetics, borage is used in the form of extracts for its antioxidant effects.