Glycyrrhiza malensis

Maxim.

Asian Liquorice, Chinese Licorice

Fabaceae Edible: Root

No photos yet for Glycyrrhiza malensis

Summary

Glycyrrhiza malensis is a perennial herbaceous plant. Hermaphroditic flowers are present and the plant fixes nitrogen. It grows in light sandy or medium loamy soils with mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. The plant tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The fibrous root has a very sweet flavour. It is boiled in water to extract its sugars and used as a liquorice substitute.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan,

Cultivation

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. This species is not recognised in the International Legume Database, neither is it in the Flora of China. It is quite possibly a mis-spelling of G. uralensis. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a deep well cultivated fertile moisture-retentive soil for good root production. Prefers a sandy soil with abundant moisture. Slightly alkaline conditions produce the best plants. A very deep-rooted plant, it can be difficult to eradicate once it is established. Unless seed is required, the plant is usually prevented from flowering so that it puts more energy into producing good quality roots. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagation

Pre-soak seed for 24 hours in warm water, then sow in spring or autumn in a greenhouse. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on through their first winter under cover. Plant out in late spring or early summer during active growth. Plants are rather slow to grow from seed. Alternatively, divide the root in spring or autumn, ensuring each division has at least one growth bud. Autumn divisions can be replanted immediately or stored in clamps until spring. Smaller divisions are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until established before planting out in spring or summer.