Eryngium graecum

From Permawiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Eryngium graecum
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Xeric Mesic
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Self Pollinated
Native to:
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Eryngium graecum

Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn on the surface of a well-drained compost in a cold frame[1]. The seed can also be sown in spring. It usually germinates in 5 - 90 days at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Division in early spring or autumn. Take care since the plant resents root disturbance[1].

Root cuttings in autumn or winter[1].

Cultivation: We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. It is not in 'Flora Europaea' and so there is a very good chance that it is not a valid name. Judging by the needs of other members of this genus it probably requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position[2], preferring a light sandy soil but tolerating most soil types including lime and poor gravels[1].

Plants should be put in their final position whilst small since they resent root disturbance[1].

Range: S. E. Europe.

Edibility: Young leaves - raw. A crisp texture[3][4].

Pollinators: Bees, flies, beetles

Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  2. Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
  3. Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
  4. Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.