Bit by the Devil.

A most singular day here in the NE of Scotland - it hasn't rained all day and the sun is shining! Over on Forvie Moor the Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis are in full flower and were looking their very best with the sun on them.

The name Scabious comes from the fact that they were once used to treat skin sores, including those caused by bubonic plague, but more particularly scabies, an infestation of the skin by parasitic mites. The word scabies comes from the Latin scabere meaning "to scratch". The plant is till used by herbalists in the treatment of eczema.

The Devil's-bit part of the name comes from the fact that the plant has a very short, black root. Folk-lore has it that the Devil, angry at the plant's ability to cure skin ailments, bit off its root in spite.

Best seen Zoomified.