Leontice leontopetalum
L.
Rakaf
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Description
Leontice leontopetalum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Edible Uses
Drink. The tuber is said to contain a significant quantity of starch, from which a liquor is distilled.
Medicinal Uses
Antidote Antispasmodic Epilepsy Leprosy Miscellany. The tuber is used as a cure for epilepsy and leprosy. It is also said to be an antidote to opium.
Distribution
Europe - Mediterranean to N. Africa.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan TROPICAL ASIA: Pakistan EUROPE: Bulgaria, Greece (incl. Crete) AFRICA: Algeria, Egypt
Cultivation
Succeeds in an ordinary well-drained soil. Plants require plenty of moisture during their winter-spring growing period and then a warm dry rest period in the summer. In cool moist temperate climates they are best grown in a bulb frame and kept completely dry in the summer. They can succeed outdoors in warm dry areas. The tuber should not be covered when planting. This is a strange report when considered against the report that seeds pull themselves down 15 - 30cm into the soil when they germinate - see below.
Propagation
Seed - sow 3 - 4 seeds in each pot of deep soil in a greenhouse, covering the seed with 2cm of soil. It germinates in the autumn and pulls itself down 15 - 30cm deep into the soil before the first leaves appear in the spring. If necessary, thin the plants to the best one in each pot and grow them on for at least three years in their pots before trying them outdoors. Give regular weak liquid feeds to ensure that the plants do not become nutrient deficient. Plants are very slow growing and can take several years before they first flower.
Other Uses
Miscellany SoapA soap is obtained from the plant, it is used in removing stains from cloth.
