Cardamine debilis
Banks ex DC.
Panapana, New Zealand bitter cress
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Summary
A perennial herbaceous plant reaching 0.3 m tall with a hermaphroditic flower structure. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland conditions or full sun, preferring consistently moist soil.
Description
A perennial herbaceous plant reaching 0.3 m tall with a hermaphroditic flower structure. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland conditions or full sun, preferring consistently moist soil.
Edible Uses
The leaves are eaten raw and add a hot, cress-like flavour to salads.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Dominican Republic, New Zealand*, West Indies,
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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. A polymorphic species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade but succeeds in most soils that are not dry.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in a cold frame; germination typically occurs within 1–3 weeks at 15°C. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and grow on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, planting out when dormant in late summer. Divide in early spring or after the plant dies back in summer. Large clumps can go straight into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are better potted and grown on in a cold frame before planting out in spring.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 160 Cardamine species. They are mostly in damp places in temperate regions.
References (2)
- Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 71
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
