Alternate-leaved golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium alternifolium), fam. Saxifragaceae.
   Sometimes occurs in the forest, in dense thickets along the railway, closer to Knyazhichi village (see map).
   The flowers of Golden Saxifrage are not very showy. They appear in April-May. Due to greenish color, they are not easily discerned from surroinding fallen leaves, though the large groups of plants may look quite bright, especially in the sun. In addition to being rare, the plants become covered by other growing herbs soon after blooming. And in June, after its seeds ripen, the overground part of Golden Saxifrage dyes completely, leaving alive only the underground rhizome until the next spring. This makes one of its folk names, translated as "one-month-herb".
   Russian name meaning is linked to belief that the plant helps with spleen diseases. In Ukrainian, its name sounds exactly as jaundice, a liver disease, though it also may be due to its yellow color. However, modern research does not confirm such medical values of Golden Saxifrage, as well as another spring-blooming plant, Liverwort). The infusion of Golden Saxifrage herb is also used as antiinflammatory and expectorant remedy, and for washing septic wounds. This herb is also recommended to be added to spring vitamin-rich salads. The herb should be gathered during its blooming season, before seeds formation. Its seeds are poisonous.

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