Cardamine nipponica

Franch. & Sav.

Ri ben sui mi qi

Brassicaceae Edible: Leaves 5 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A compact perennial growing only 0.1 m (4 in) tall, Cardamine nipponica is a hermaphroditic species pollinated by insects. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH levels. The plant grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.

Description

A cabbage family herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves at the base are 1.5-3 cm long and divided into 3-7 leaflets. These are 2-6 mm long by 1.5-5 nn wide. The end leaflet is slightly larger. The flowers are white and in small groups. The dry long fruit is 2-3 cm long and about 1 cm wide.

Edible Uses

One source notes the plant is edible but offers no further detail. The leaves are the most likely part intended, though the root may also be edible.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows on alpine slopes in Taiwan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Taiwan,

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. 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. Larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones should be potted up and grown on in a cold frame until well rooted 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 (4)

Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 8
Flora of Taiwan Vol 2:753
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Zhou Taiyan, Lu Lianli, Yang Guang; Ihsan A. Al-Shehbaz, BRASSICACEAE (CRUCIFERAE), Flora of China.