Acourtia microcephala

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Acourtia microcephala
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Xeric Mesic
Hardiness:8
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Height:5'
Blooms:Mid Summer-Late Summer
Native to:
Medicinal Rating:
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Acourtia microcephala (common name: sacapellote)

Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse in a gritty well-drained compost, and only just cover the seed. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, being careful not to over-water. Plant out in late spring or early summer.

Division in the spring.

Cultivation: Requires a freely draining gritty soil, preferably of fairly low fertility, and a position in full sun[1]. Dislikes winter wet.

Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain, though they should succeed in the milder areas of the country, especially if given the additional protection of a wall. They are hardy to about -10°c, so long as they are not too wet[2]. Excess moisture, especially in the winter, is the main cause of death.

Range: South-western N. America - California.

Habitat: Dry sunny slopes[2].

Medicinal: A decoction of the plant has been used to bring about a very quick passage of the bowels[2].

Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Also Known As: Perezia microcephala.

Links

References

  1. Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.