Ixeris chinensis - (Thunb.)Nakai.
(Thunb.)Nakai.
gbif· cc-by-nc
王柏喻
gbif· cc-by-nc
tsou
gbif· cc-by-nc
tsou
Description
Ixeris chinensis is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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 prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Young leaves - cooked. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails. Root - cooked.
Distribution
E. Asia - Japan, Korea.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia (southeast)), Mongolia, Russian Federation (Primorye, Amur), China (c. & s.), Korea, Japan (Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa)), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. We suggest growing it in a sunny position and a well-drained soil. The sub-species I. chinensis versicolor Kitam. is the form that is used for its edible leaves.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in spring and only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division can be tried in spring or autumn.
