Melilotus suaveolens
| Melilotus suaveolens | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 6.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Melilotus suaveolens
Propagation: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ[1]. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather[K]. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks.
Cultivation: We have almost no information on this plant 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. It is, perhaps, no more than a synonym of Medicago officinalis[2].
Dislikes shade.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[3].
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan.
Habitat: Waste ground and fields in lowlands, C. and S. Japan[4].
Edibility: Young plant - cooked[5][6].
Medicinal: Ophthalmic.
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Although no reports have been seen for this species, the dried leaves of some members of this genus can be toxic though the fresh leaves are quite safe[7]. (This is possibly due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the
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References
- ↑ Woodward, L and P Burge. Green Manures. Elm Farm Research Centre, 1982.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Ohwi, Jisaburo. Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution, 1965.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Cooper, Marion. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. The Stationery Office, 1984.