Megacarpaea delavayi
Franch.
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Description
Megacarpaea delavayi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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.
Edible Uses
Edible cooked. The part of the plant is not specified but is likely to be the root.
Distribution
E. Asia - China in Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, Xizang and Yunnan Provinces.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Gansu Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng)
Cultivation
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeeds outdoors in most of this country. It is a very ornamental plant that is enormously variable in leaf, flower and fruit shape. The flowers are normally hermaphrodite but are sometimes monoecious or reduced. The plant is occasionally cultivated as a vegetable in China. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if this is possible. Otherwise sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick the seedlings out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings may succeed.
