Corydalis govaniana
| Corydalis govaniana | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Corydalis govaniana
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry[1]. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[2]. Germinates in spring according to another report[1]. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed[3][2]. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply liquid feed at intervals during their growing season to ensure they are well fed. The seedlings only produce one leaf in their first year of growth[4] and are very prone to damping off[1]. Divide the seedlings into individual pots once they have become dormant and grow them on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant.
Division after flowering.
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 should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade[5]. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed.
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[6].
Range: E. Asia - W. Himalayas from Pakistan to E. Nepal.
Habitat: Shrubberies and open slopes, 2400 - 4800 metres[7].
Medicinal: The root is alterative, antiperiodic, appetizer, diuretic, skin, tonic[8][9][10]. It is used in the treatment of syphilis and cutaneous affections[8][10].
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, where it is considered to have a sweet and bitter taste with a cooling potency[11]. Antidote, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge and vermifuge, it is used in the treatment of disorders from poisoning, swelling of the limbs and stomach/intestinal pain due to worm infestation[11].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses[12].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Alpine Garden Society. Alpine Garden Society Bulletin Volume 56. Alpine Garden Society.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ Bird, Alfred. Focus on Plants Volume 5. Thompson and Morgan, 1991.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Polunin, Oleg and Adam Stainton. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press, 1984.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Stuart, George. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei Southern Materials Centre.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Tsarong, Tsewang. Tibetan Medicinal Plants. Tibetan Medical Publications, 1994.
- ↑ Foster, Steven and Billy Tatum. Medicinal Plants of Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin, 1990.