Contained within the borage family, or Boraginaceae, are a great variety of impressive species with exquisite flowers. The great majority of these species, unfortunately, are not particularly well known to the average individual, although some have traditionally been very popular. Whether you implement a grow room design and arrange an indoor growing space or have an outside garden, these plants are exceptional choices for livening up the area.

Coarse hairs with high levels of silicon dioxide and calcium carbonate contained in them can be found on the leaves of most plants in the family. One must not handle the leaves for too long, as the hairs can cause adverse reactions in the skin of many people.

Anthocyanin chemicals within the roses of many of the species are responsible for color modifications in said flowers. These pigments are found in all flowering plants' tissues, but members of the borage family use anthocyanins in their flower petals in a distinct manner. When adjustments to relative amounts of specific anthocyanins transpire as flowers age, flower color changes from more red to more blue. It is believed by researchers that the color change signals to animals that pollinate that flowers have minimal pollen or nectar left in them. The pollinators will go to the redder flowers, which still need pollination, thus benefiting the plant.

The most well-known members of this family are most likely species in the genera Borago, Myosotis, and Heliotropium. There are two different species in genus Borago; these are termed the true borages, and their leaves are utilized in teas and salads in Central Europe and the Mediterranean rim. In addition, many wines from these parts of the world contain flavoring created by borage flowers. The forget-me-nots, which make up genus Myosotis, number approximately fifty separate plants. The different species live in the different temperate portions of the world, having been mostly native to New Zealand and Europe and introduced elsewhere. All produce five-petaled blooms that differ in color from species to species. Plants in the genus Heliotropium are yet another set of eminent members of the family; they are commonly called heliotropes and grown widely for ornamental purposes. Cryptantha, or popcorn flowers, Phacelia, or scorpionweeds, and Amsinckia, or fiddlenecks, are other subsets in the Boraginaceae.

Any plant array will be improved by including members of Boraginaceae. Whether they are under a grow light or in sunlight, the plants are extremely visually attractive and colorful. It will be very fulfilling for one to learn more about these plants and purchase various species at his or her neighborhood nursery.