Gypsophila struthium
| Gypsophila struthium | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 0.5' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Gypsophila struthium
Propagation: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and, if growth is sufficient, plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer.
Division in spring or autumn. 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 spring.
Basal cuttings before the plant flowers. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Root cuttings.
Cultivation: Requires a sunny position and a deep soil[1]. Lime tolerant[1]. Grows well in a dryish soil[1].
Range: S. Europe.
Habitat: Gypsaceous soils[2].
Medicinal: The root is alterative, diaphoretic, purgative and tonic[3][4]. Although rarely used, this species can be employed in many of the same ways as soapwort, Saponaria officinalis[3]. It is a valuable remedy, used as an external wash, for the treatment of many skin diseases[3].
Usage: The plant contains saponins[3][4]. Can these be used as a soap substitute?
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Although no mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus has a root that is rich in saponins[5]. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm[6]. They
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Frohne, Dietrich and Hans Pfänder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Timber Press, 1984.