Nuphar japonicum
DC.
gbif· cc-by-nc
Gavin
gbif· cc-by-nc
Gavin
gbif· cc-by-nc
Татьяна Химера
Description
Nuphar japonicum is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water.
Edible Uses
Root - cooked. Used as a famine food, when baked it tastes like sweet chestnuts. The root probably needs to be steeped in water before use in order to remove a bitter flavour. Seed. No more details are given but the seed is probably rich in starch and can be ground into a powder then used as a thickener in soups etc.
Medicinal Uses
Birthing aid Digestive Women's complaints. Digestive, women's complaints. Used before and after childbirth, it treats gynecopathy(menoxenia).
Distribution
E. Asia - Japan.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
A water plant requiring a rich soil and a sunny position. It is best if grown in still water that is up to 75cm deep but it also tolerates slow moving water. Succeeds in light shade.
Propagation
Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in pots submerged under 25mm of water. Prick out into individual pots as soon as the first true leaf appears and grow them on in water in a greenhouse for at least two years before planting them out in late spring. The seed is collected by wrapping the developing seed head in a muslin bag to avoid the seed being lost. Harvest it 10 days after it sinks below the soil surface or as soon as it reappears. Division in May. Each portion must have at least one eye. Submerge in pots in shallow water until established.
