Comandra richardsiana
Fernald.
Bastard Toad Flax
gbif· cc-by-sa
GBIF
gbif· cc-by-nc-sa
University of South Florida Herbarium (USF)
gbif· cc-by-nc
University of Vermont
Description
Comandra richardsiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw. Sweet and oily, it is delicious but only a few are produced. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.
Distribution
Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Quebec and south to Kansas.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is quite possibly no more than a form of C. umbellata. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained moisture retentive lime-free soil. A parasitic plant obtaining at least some of its nutrients from the roots of other plants, we do not know the host species.
Propagation
Seed - stratify for 3 months at 5°c and then sow in the greenhouse in a pot with a suitable host. Plant out when it is well established close to a mature host plant.
