Rubia hexaphylla

(Makino) Makino

Six leaf madder

Rubiaceae Edible: Leaves 1 iNaturalist observations

No photos yet for Rubia hexaphylla

Summary

Perennial plant with hermaphroditic flowers. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade in light woodland and prefers dry or moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

Young leaves can be eaten after boiling.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in the mountains in Japan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan, Korea,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade. Tolerates dry soils but quickly becomes scorched when growing in full sun.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, as stored seed can be very slow to germinate. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for the first year, then plant out into permanent positions in early summer. Divide in spring or at any point during the growing season, keeping divisions well watered until established. Larger divisions can go straight into permanent positions; smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame, then planted out once well established in summer.