Bellyache Root (Coelopleurum lucidum) — Edible Plant

Summary

Perennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) tall. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects and self-fertile. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.

Description

Perennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) tall. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects and self-fertile. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH. Requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure.

Edible Uses

Young stems and leafstalks can be cooked or peeled and eaten raw. The seed is used as a flavouring.

Medicinal Uses

Tonic.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, Siberia, USA,

Propagation

Seed is best sown in a cold frame or in situ as soon as it is ripe, as viability is short. Seed can also be stored and sown in spring, though germination rates will be lower. Light is required for germination. Seedlings raised in pots or a seedbed should be moved to their permanent positions as soon as possible.