Borage (borago officinalis)

A hardy annual herb, belonging to the boraginaceae family, indigenous to Mediterranean countries, but is now naturalised all over Northern Europe. The name probably derives from the French name "bourrache" - meaning "rough" or "hairy". The plant grows to 60cm/2 feet in height with hairy leaves and blue or puplish star-shaped flowers, which grow in loose racemes from early summer to mid-autumn.

It grows well in outdoor containers, and if planted near tomatoes, can control tomato worm. See 'Borage; Culinary uses'; 'Borage; Medical uses'