What characteristic of the Salal shrub's thick, dark green leaves mirrors their medicinal astringent nature?
Answer
Their ability to retain moisture through dry periods
The physical structure of the salal leaves is directly linked to their medicinal properties. The leaves are described as thick, leathery, and waxy, which are physical attributes designed to help the evergreen shrub retain moisture and survive dry spells in the coastal forest understory. This resistance to drying out, which is a form of internal structural resilience, parallels the astringent effect observed internally when they are consumed—both relate to tightening, firming, and resisting excessive loss or change.
Related Questions
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