Atraphaxis spinosa
| Atraphaxis spinosa | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 4' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Atraphaxis spinosa
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Seedlings are prone to damp off so should be watered with care and kept well ventilated[1].
Cuttings of soft wood in early summer in a frame[1].
Layering in spring[1].
Cultivation: Requires a sunny position in a light well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility[2][1]. Succeeds in the rock garden or on a sunny stony bank[1].
Plants are hardy to at least -10°c so long as the soil is not wet over the winter[1].
The tiny flowers have long lasting petals[2].
This species is closely related to A. frutescens[1].
Any pruning should be restricted to the removal of branch tips every second or third year during the spring in order to maintain a neat compact habit[1].
Established specimens resent root disturbance[1].
Range: S.E. Europe to W. Asia.
Habitat: Grassy plains in semi-desert or very dry soils[1]. Slopes, deserts (including the Gobi), roadsides, margins of cultivated land at elevations of 400--1800 metres in northern China[3].
Edibility: The plant is a source of a yellowish-white manna-like substance that is eaten as a food or used in making sweetmeats[4].
Soil: Can grow in light soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.