Leontice leontopetalum
| Leontice leontopetalum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Late Spring |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Leontice leontopetalum (common name: rakaf)
Propagation: Seed - sow 3 - 4 seeds in each pot of deep soil in a greenhouse, covering the seed with 2cm of soil. It germinates in the autumn and pulls itself down 15 - 30cm deep into the soil before the first leaves appear in the spring[1][2]. If necessary, thin the plants to the best one in each pot and grow them on for at least three years in their pots before trying them outdoors. Give regular weak liquid feeds to ensure that the plants do not become nutrient deficient.
Cultivation: Succeeds in an ordinary well-drained soil[3]. Plants are best grown in a bulb frame and kept completely dry in the summer[2]. They can succeed outdoors in warm dry areas[2].
The tuber should not be covered when planting[3]. This is a strange report when considered against the report that seeds pull themselves down 15 - 30cm into the soil when they germinate - see below.
Range: Europe - Mediterranean to N. Africa.
Habitat: Sunny rocky places on cultivated ground, 400 - 2200 metres[4][5]. Plants are sometimes found on limestone, they also grow in steppes and semi-desert[2].
Medicinal: The tuber is used as a cure for epilepsy and leprosy. It is also said to be an antidote to opium[6][4].
Usage: A soap is obtained from the plant, it is used in removing stains from cloth[4].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Royal Horticultural Society. The Plantsman Vol. 4. 1982 - 1983. Royal Horticultural Society, 1982.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Polunin, Oleg. Flowers of the Mediterranean. Hogarth Press, 1987.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Bulbs. Pan Books, 1989.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.