Calochortus barbatus
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCalochortus barbatus is a species of mariposa lilies in the lily family. It is endemic to Mexico.
Description
A bulb plant. It grows 15-30 cm high and 8-10 cm across. The flowers are bell-like and nodding. They are hairy and have a fringe around the edge. They are yellow but can have purple flushes.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Bulb - raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
They need dry conditions when dormant. It can stand light frosts.
Where It Grows
Central America, Mexico, North America,
Propagation
Seed - sow as soon as ripe or early spring in a cold frame in a very sharply draining medium. Stratification may be helpful. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 6 months at 15°c. Leave the seedlings undisturbed for their first two years growth, but give them an occasional liquid feed to ensure they do not become nutrient deficient. It is quite difficult to get the seedlings through their first period of dormancy since it is all too easy either to dry them out completely or keep them too moist when they will rot. After their second year of growth, pot up the dormant bulbs in late summer and grow them on for at least another 2 years in the greenhouse before trying them outside. Seedlings take about 5 - 7 years to come into flower. Division of the bulbs as soon as the foliage dies down. The bulbs can be planted straight out into their permanent positions but in areas with wet winters it might be best to store them overwinter and replant them in the spring. Stem bulbils, harvested from the stems after flowering. They can be stored cool and dry then planted in pots in the cold frame in the spring.
Other Uses
None known Special Uses
Notes
There are about 60-100 Calochortus species. There are 7-9 species in tropical America. They have also been put in the family Calochortaceae.
References (4)
- Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 13:348. 1911
- Joyce, D., 1998, The Garden Plant Selector. Ryland, Peters and Small. p 283
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 163
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
