Mantle, also called pallium, plural pallia, or palliums, in biology, soft covering, formed from the body wall, of brachiopods and mollusks; also, the fleshy outer covering, sometimes strengthened by calcified plates, of barnacles. The mantle of mollusks and brachiopods secretes the shell in species that possess shells.

Mollusks are a phylum of invertebrate animals defined by their distinct body structure — a head, a visceral mass, a mantle and some kind of foot. The mantle protects the mollusk’s body in place of a skeletal structure, and the “foot” has taken on many adaptions across the mollusca species.

The mantle (also known by the Latin word pallium meaning mantle, robe or cloak, adjective pallial) is a significant part of the anatomy of molluscs: it is the dorsal body wall which covers the visceral mass and usually protrudes in the form of flaps well beyond the visceral mass itself.

All mollusks have a visceral mass, a mantle, and a foot. The visceral mass contains the digestive, excretory, and reproductive organs. The mantle is a covering. It may secrete a shell.

The mantle produces the shell in mollusks such as clams and snails. The mantle also functions in respiration, waste disposal, and sensory reception. In addition, the mantle is related to another distinctive feature, the mantle cavity.

The Earth’s mantle plays an important role in the evolution of the crust and provides the thermal and mechanical driving forces for plate tectonics. The mantle is also the graveyard for descending lithospheric slabs, and the fate of these slabs in the mantle is a subject of ongoing discussion and controversy.

The mantle is muscular, and many species have modified it to use for siphoning water for feeding and propulsion. In mollusks that have shells, such as clams, mussels, and snails, the mantle is what secretes calcium carbonate and a matrix to form the mollusk’s shell.

: any of a genus (Alchemilla) of widely distributed perennial herbaceous plants of the rose family especially : one (A. mollis) cultivated as a garden plant for its large circular grayish-green hairy leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers.

Cut back before it sets seed then apply a “systemic” herbicide which you apply to the leaves of the plant. It works its way down to the roots, killing the plant but not killing everything else in its wake (supposedly- and only if used correctly).

It is anti-inflammatory and astringent, and has properties that are good for regulating menstruation. It is often used in late pregnancy to help strengthen the uterus, usually prescribed as a tea made from the flowers (though consult a herbalist before you start downing it).

“Lady’s mantle” is a good description, for it is chiefly a herb for women. It is anti-inflammatory and astringent, and has properties that are good for regulating menstruation.

Since lady’s mantle has a similar effect to gestagens, an important class of female sex hormones, it alleviates premenstrual syndrome, reduces irritability and binge eating and makes the womb more fertile.

Just steep chopped Lady’s Mantle Herb (about 2 teaspoons) in hot water for about 10 to 20 minutes. Then strain and drink. The tea has a delicious taste, similar to green tea. You can also add some Raspberry Leaves, Lemon Verbena, Angelica Root or Rose Petals.

The whole plant is edible but the young leaves are best to be used fresh in salads, sandwiches, or in pesto. Lady’s mantle has traditionally been used mostly as herbal tea.

The toxic chemicals can cause chemical burns of the mouth. Both are very toxic indeed and share the ability to cause poisoning by contact of the plant juices with the skin of gardeners or their pets. Digestion. Lady’s mantle plants form a nicely sized clump, although they will also self-seed in many gardens.

Lady’s Mantle blooming in shade garden Ladies Mantle root is edible, as are the leaves, which sheep and cattle are said to relish. The entire plant is normally harvested in midsummer and can be used medicinally for bruises and wound healing.

—Medicinal Action and Uses—The Lady’s Mantle has astringent and styptic properties, on account of the tannin it contains. It is ‘of a very drying and binding character’ as the old herbalists expressed it, and was formerly considered one of the best vulneraries or wound herbs.

The name lady’s-mantle comes from its fan-shaped, pleated leaves, which resemble the folds of a medieval cloak. The leaves collect sparkling droplets of dew or rain, which were prized by alchemists, hence the Latin name Alchemilla.

Lady’s Mantle is traditionally prepared as a tincture and/or tea. To make a tea, pour one cup of just boiled water over one tablespoon of herb. Cover the tea and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and enjoy.