Silver plated coin Lily of the Valley 2011 Proof Benin

RAZITKO_POSTOVNE_ZDARMA_NENI

Famous Plants of the world series

Exclusive silver-plated coin issued by the Republic of Benin in 2011 from the Famous Plants of the world series depicts a coloured and perfumed lily of the valley on its reverse (a unique colouring technique that ensures amazingly realistic colours, the coin is also perfumed with the scent of lily of the valley) along with the inscriptions "FAMEUSES PLANTES DU MONDE", "CONVALLARIA MAJALIS" and the year of issue. The obverse shows the national emblem of the Republic of Benin.

The coin comes in a blue gift box with grey and silver trim, along with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a limited edition of only 2500 pieces for the whole world!

Lily of the valley

Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is a perennial poisonous plant in the deciduous family (Ruscaceae). Older taxonomic systems often placed it in the lily family (Convallariaceae), or the lily family more broadly (Liliaceae s.l.). It is widespread throughout Europe except in the northernmost and southernmost regions, in Asia Minor and corresponding areas of Asia as far as China and Japan, and in North America. As an ornamental plant it is also grown in many places outside these areas.

The genus Lily of the Valley (Convallaria) is considered by some authors to be monotypic, sometimes 3-4 closely related species are distinguished, depending on the concept. In Europe, Convallaria majalis var. majalis (or Convallaria majalis s. str.) is native, but it is also domesticated in North America. In North America, Convallaria majalis var. montana (Convallaria montana) is native. In East Asia, Convallaria majalis var. keiskei (Convallaria keiskei) grows, perhaps identical to Convallaria majalis var. manschurica. A taxon of Convallaria transcaucasica Utkin ex Grossh. has been described from the Caucasus, which is probably another closely related species (possibly an intraspecific taxon), but the taxonomic value is not entirely clear.

The fragrant lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) has fleshy rhizomes in the ground, through which it spreads to its surroundings in suitable conditions. It prefers acidic loamy-sandy soils in partial shade. It propagates by division of clumps, which in practice involves carefully digging the clump out of the ground and breaking it into several pieces with the hands so that each end of the rhizome (bud) has a sufficient number of roots. These are then replanted in a new location. The best date is early autumn (September), or at worst later if the weather is frost-free and wet. Otherwise, it is better to choose early spring (February-March) when the ground is moist enough.

Lily of the valley is collected as a medicinal plant as a weaker alternative to the thimbleberry. It is used to strengthen the heart or against dropsy and for epilepsy. Due to its toxicity, it is not suitable for use by amateur healers.