Potentilla nepalensis
Hook.
Cinquefoil
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPotentilla nepalensis, common name Nepal cinquefoil, is a perennial plant species in the genus Potentilla.
Description
A herb. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 30-60 cm wide. It forms clumps. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are slender and purple and erect. They are leafy and branching. The leaves are oval and have coarse teeth. They are 3-8 cm long and have 5 leaflets. They are on long stalks and grow from a central base. The flowers are pink or red. They are in branching panicles.
Edible Uses
The root is edible when cooked and has a starchy character.
Traditional Uses
The ripe fruit are eaten. ?
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The root is depurative. The ashes of the plant are mixed with oil and applied to burns.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 5-8.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Slovenia,
Cultivation
A very tolerant and easily grown plant, surviving considerable neglect. It grows best in a well-drained loam, preferring a position in full sun but tolerating shade. Prefers an alkaline soil but tolerates a slightly acid soil. There are many named forms selected for their ornamental value. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Sow seed in early spring or autumn in a cold frame. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and grow on in a greenhouse through their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. For division, spring is the best time. Larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.
Other Uses
None known
Notes
There are about 500 Potentilla species.
Also Known As
Nepalski petoprstnik
References (7)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 487
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1077
- Exot. fl. 2: t. 88. 1824
- Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 239
- http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Patiri, B. & Borah, A., 2007, Wild Edible Plants of Assam. Geethaki Publishers. p 48
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
