Onosma bracteatum
| Onosma bracteatum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Onosma bracteatum
Propagation: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer.
Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days[1].
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[1][2]. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam[1]. Best grown in a crevice in a rock garden or on a wall[1][2]. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but disliking winter wet[3]. Plants also dislike wet summers[4].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to C. Nepal.
Habitat: Rocky slopes in dry areas, 3300 - 5000 metres[5].
Medicinal: The plant is alterative, demulcent, refrigerant and tonic[6]. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatism, syphilis and leprosy[6]. The plant is considered to be useful in relieving excessive thirst and restlessness in febrile excitement, and also to be useful in relieving functional palpitation of the heart, irritation of the bladder and stomach, and strangury[6].
Usage: A report says that the plant is used in technology, but it gives no more information[7]. It is quite likely that this refers to the use of the root as a source of a red dye[K].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Chatto, Beth. The Damp Garden. Dent, 1982.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Polunin, Oleg and Adam Stainton. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press, 1984.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.
- ↑ Singh, Gurcharan and Premnath Kachroo. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, 1976.