Erodium stephanianum
| Erodium stephanianum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 6.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Erodium stephanianum
Propagation: Seed - sow in situ as soon as the seed is ripe in the late summer. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring[1]. It usually germinates readily[2].
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 the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a sunny well-drained position and a limy soil or at least one that is not acid[1].
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Mongolia, Siberia and the Himalayas.
Habitat: Dry slopes, sandy river banks and as a weed of cultivation[3]. Open placs at elevations of 2500 - 4000 metres in Nepal[4].
Medicinal: The aerial parts of the plant are antirheumatic, antiseptic and astringent[5]. They are used in the treatment of acute and chronic rheumatalgia, diarrhoea, dysentery and enteritis[5]. The plant has also shown antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, streptococci, Pneumococci, Shigella flexneri etc[5]. A paste of the plant is applied externally in the treatment of gout[4].
Usage: A green dye can be obtained from the whole plant. It does not require a mordant[6].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Komarov, Vladimir. Flora of the USSR. Gantner Verlag, 1968.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Manandhar, Narayan. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, 2002.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.
- ↑ Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.