Caltha sinogracilis
| Caltha sinogracilis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Height: | 0.3' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Caltha sinogracilis
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in late summer[1]. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Division in early spring or autumn[1]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Requires a deep rich slightly acidic soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Suitable for wet soils and shallow water[3].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[4].
Range: E. Asia - China, Korea.
Habitat: Grasslands, by streams at elevations of 3200 - 4100 metres in SE Xizang and NW Yunnan[5].
Edibility: Young leaves - cooked[6]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Pollinators: Bees, beetles, flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Heavy Clay: Grows in heavy-clay soils.
Known Hazards: The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glycoside protoanemanin - this is destroyed by heat[7]. The sap can irritate sensitive skin[7].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Bird, R. Growing from Seed Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan, 1989.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.