Eminium spiculatum
| Eminium spiculatum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Eminium spiculatum
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe, though the seed can also be sown in early spring. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting out in late summer when the plants are dormant[1].
Division in late summer when the plants are dormant[1].
Cultivation: Requires a deep light fertile perfectly drained soil in a sunny position[1]. Strongly dislikes wet soils, it also need a period of warm dry weather when it is dormant in late summer in order to promote good flowering the following year[1].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c so long as the soil is well-drained[1]. It is usually best grown in a bulb frame or cold greenhouse, but can succeed outdoors at the base of a south-facing wall and also in a rock garden in dry summer areas.
The flowers are malodorous, attracting flies for pollination[1]. The fruit is developed at the base of the flowering stem, usually below ground, breaking the soil surface to disperse the seed[1].
Range: S. Europe - Mediterranean to W. Asia.
Habitat: Dry rocky places[1].
Edibility: Root - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Monoecious
Known Hazards: Many plants in this family are poisonous raw, due to the presence of calcium oxylate crystals. If eaten raw, this toxin gives you a sensation as if hundreds of tiny needles are sticking into the mouth, tongue etc. However, it is easily destroyed by thorou
Links
References