Megacarpaea gigantea

From Permawiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Megacarpaea gigantea
Light:Full Sun
Moisture:Mesic
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Height:6'
Blooms:Mid Spring-Late Spring
Native to:
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility RatingPFAF Edibility RatingPFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Megacarpaea gigantea

Propagation: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if this is possible. Otherwise sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick the seedlings out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.

Root cuttings may succeed[1].

Cultivation: We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeeds outdoors in most of this country. The flowers are normally hermaphrodite but are sometimes monoecious or reduced[1]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.

Prefers a light well-drained soil in a sunny position[1].

Range: C. Asia.

Habitat: Grassy but not stony mountain slopes[2].

Edibility: Root - cooked. Rich in starch, it is delicious cooked[2]. The root contains enormous quantities of nutritious substances[2].

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 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Komarov, Vladimir. Flora of the USSR. Gantner Verlag, 1968.