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LABURNUM ( Laburnum x watereri “Vossi”)
(Laburnum anagyroides)
Key: Detoxification
Laburnum is native to the hill regions of central Europe. It is a small tree up to 30ft (9m) with smooth, olive green- brown bark and a tendency to arch over. In early summer yellow, pea-like flowers appear in long, pendulous strings. These ripen into green pods containing highly poisonous, shiny black seeds. Laburnum was first grown in Britain in 1595 and has been widely planted as an ornamental tree. The wood is hard, easy to work and finishes well so has been used in cabinet-making.
The natural hybrid, Voss’s Laburnum, arose in 1856 in the Tyrol and later (1865) also in Surrey, from L. anagyroides and L. alpinum. It is this variety that is most commonly planted for its spectacular flowers.
Laburnum creates the space and opportunity in which to allow the release of underlying imbalances, shock and traumas. By doing so it allows a growth of creative potential. There is a relaxation of muscular and nervous tension as the mental body is balanced and rigid belief systems or inappropriate concepts are abandoned. This allows a rapid detoxification of the system to take place. Likewise there is an increase in optimism, positivity and discrimination.
The throat chakra is stimulated and relaxation in this area will release tension, increase the ability to communicate and understand lessons, and listen to what is of use to the body systems – both physical and other forms of nutrition.
The release of long-held stress memories brings a new balance and lightness to the emotions.
Signature: The fountain of yellow flowers and the somewhat weeping shape of the tree suggests letting go and the release of long held stresses. The dark seeds can be seen as the poisons released from the deep levels of the self. The heartwood is black and ebony-like whilst the sapwood is yellow – the darkness of the inner is changed to the joy of the outer.
Comment: Laburnum is an extremely graceful and beautiful little tree. However all parts and particularly the black seeds are extremely toxic causing sleepiness, convulsions, coma and death. Particular care needs to be taken when working with this spirit.