Flax

Flax is an annual herbaceous plant widely distributed in Europe. It is characterized by a frail, erect and fibrous stem, about 1 metre high. The leaves of this plant are thick, alternate and simple. Between June and August, flax showed terminal cluster or cyme inflorescences. They usually have five petals and are distinguished by a very characteristic pale blue colour. Flax fruits are presented as light brown globose capsules containing oval seeds about 4-6 mm long. When they mature, these fruits are harvested and then crushed to extract the seeds, useful for the production of flax oil. After extraction of the oil, the remaining envelope is used for the manufacture of flax flour.