Theligonum cynocrambe
L.
Dog's cabbage
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Summary
Source: WikipediaTheligonum cynocrambe is a low to short prostrate or occasionally erect, usually hairless annual herb, leaves entire, ovate, untoothed. somewhat succulent, the lower are opposite and the upper alternate by the suppression of one leaf of each pair, there are peculiar united membranous stipules. Large club-shaped glands are present at the apex of the leaves, flowers insignificant with membranous perianth, 2–3 mm, green, unisexual with both sexes on the same plant, in one to three-flowered clusters. The male flowers have a valvate to globose perianth, splitting into two to five lobes when the flower opens. There are 7 up to 12 but sometimes as few as 2 and as many as 30 stamens with filiform filaments and anthers that are erect in the bud, but pendulous later, the female flowers have a tubular shortly toothed perianth and ovary of a single carpel containing a single basal ovule. The style is simple and arises from the base of the ovary. The ovary enlarges irregularly on one side and the style becomes lateral at fruiting time. The fruit is a subglobose nut-like drupe 2mm, containing one seed with a fleshy endosperm. It exhibits myrmecochory which is dispersal of seeds by the agency of ants. Ants feed on the oil body or elaiosome of various seeds and frequently carry the seed some distance from the parent plant. The oil body of the seed is formed of a portion of the pericarp which remains attached to the base of the seed. The ants eat the oil body and then leave the seed undamaged. Young shoots of T. Cynocrambe are sometimes eaten as a vegetable. Grows in rocky habitats, sandy ground, old walls, often in damp and shaded places. Flowers Feb-June.
Description
A low annual herb. It often lies along the ground. It has an unpleasant smell. The stems have swollen nodes. The leaves are succulent. They are alternate but the lower ones are opposite. They are oval and do not have teeth. The flowers are small and green. They are 2-3 mm long and borne in small side clusters. Male and female flowers are separate but on the same plant. Male flowers have 2-3 lobes and female flowers are tube shaped. The fruit are 2 mm long and like nuts.
Edible Uses
Young shoots are eaten cooked as a spinach substitute. They have a sub-acid flavour but are slightly purgative.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are sometimes used as a potherb.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant acts as a laxative.
Distribution
It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in rocky habitats and on sandy ground. It is often in damp and shady places.
Where It Grows
Europe, France, Greece, Italy, Mediterranean, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye,
Cultivation
We have no details on the cultivation needs of this species, see the plants native habitat for ideas. The plant is occasionally cultivated for its edible leaves in the Mediterranean.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring directly in situ. Frost-hardiness is uncertain, so it may be worth starting seed in a greenhouse and transplanting outdoors after the last expected frost.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
Also put in the families Cynocrambaceae and Theligoniaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Kusyuregi
References (5)
- Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 182
- Ertug, F, Yenen Bitkiler. Resimli Türkiye Florası -I- Flora of Turkey - Ethnobotany supplement
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 647
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Tardio, J., et al, Ethnobotanical review of wild edible plants in Spain. Botanical J. Linnean Soc. 152 (2006), 27-71
