Erodium hirtum
(Forsk.) Willd.
Tumayr
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) joaobrito, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Steve Daniels, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Steve Daniels, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A low-growing perennial reaching 30 cm in height with hermaphroditic flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils preferring good drainage. Thrives in neutral to alkaline soils in full sun. Tolerates both dry and moist soil conditions.
Description
A low-growing perennial reaching 30 cm in height with hermaphroditic flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils preferring good drainage. Thrives in neutral to alkaline soils in full sun. Tolerates both dry and moist soil conditions.
Edible Uses
The root is edible, though no further details are available.
Traditional Uses
The root is eaten raw.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a Mediterranean plant. It can grow in arid places.
Where It Grows
Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Europe, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Sahara, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Yemen,
Propagation
Sow seed in situ as soon as it is ripe in late summer, or alternatively in late spring; it usually germinates readily. Division can be done in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted directly into their permanent positions, though smaller clumps are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until rooting well before planting out in spring.
Other Uses
A green dye can be obtained from the whole plant and requires no mordant.
Notes
There are about 200 Erodium species.
References (5)
- Bailey, C. and Danin, A., 1981, Bedouin Plant Utilization in Sinai and the Negev. Economic Botany 35(2): 145-162
- Davis, S.D., Heywood, V.H., & Hamilton, A.C. (eds), 1994, Centres of plant Diversity. WWF. Vol 2. p 340
- Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 76
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1999). Survey of Economic Plants for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SEPASAL) database. Published on the Internet; http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ceb/sepasal/internet [Accessed 16th April 2011]
