Secale cereale ancestrale
Zhuk.
Rye
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Description
Secale cereale ancestrale is a ANNUAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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 and can tolerate drought.
Edible Uses
Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, biscuits etc.
Distribution
W. Asia.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed in Britain, though it should succeed as a spring-sown annual and possibly as an autumn sown plant. It is a primitive form of the cultivated cereal rye, Secale cereale and as such could be of value in breeding programmes. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained light soil in a sunny position.
Propagation
Seed - sow March or October in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.
