The Succisa pratensis (german: Teufelsabbiss ("devils bite")) was the flower of the year 2015 chosen by NABU (german nature protection federation).
The german name corresponds to the root of the flower which dies little by little and looks like being bitten by something.
In "Mainzer Gart der Gesundheit" from 1485 it is written, that the devil has harmed the roots of this flower so much, that the mother of god had mercy and took away the power of the devil. He was so angry about that, that he bit the roots of the Teufelsabbiss. And like this, this flower grows until now.
If you carry the roots or the leaves in your pocket, the devil or any other demons may not harm you. If you wear an amulet around your neck, you will be protected from evil witchcraft. So the mythology says.
This flower is on the "red list" of endangered plants.
