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Leucas lanata

Benth.

Lamiaceae Edible: Leaves, Shoots

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) T. Abe Lloyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by T. Abe Lloyd

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) T. Abe Lloyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by T. Abe Lloyd

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) T. Abe Lloyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by T. Abe Lloyd

Description

Leucas lanata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 6in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 shoots - cooked. Used as a vegetable.

Medicinal Uses

In general, the crushed leaves of Leucas species are applied to wounds, sores, especially those of the eyes and nose, chronic skin diseases, such as psoriasis and scabies. The crushed leaves are also used to treat mild fevers, colds, rheumatism and snake bites, and as a decoction against roundworm, mainly for children.

Distribution

E. Asia - India.

Where It Grows

Coming Soon

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it should be hardy at least in the milder areas of the country.

Propagation

Seed -

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