Megacarpaea gigantea
Regel.
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(c) Наталья Бешко, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Наталья Бешко
Description
Megacarpaea gigantea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Root - cooked. Rich in starch, it is delicious cooked. The root contains enormous quantities of nutritious substances.
Distribution
C. Asia.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeeds outdoors in most of this country. The flowers are normally hermaphrodite but are sometimes monoecious or reduced. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if this is possible. Otherwise sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick the seedlings out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings may succeed.
