Saussurea grandifolia
Maxim.
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(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Perennial hermaphrodite with insect pollination. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with preference for well-drained conditions across mildly acid to basic pH. Cannot grow in shade and prefers moist soil.
Description
A herb. It grows 35-120 cm tall. It keeps growing from year to year. It has a single erect stem that branches near the top. The leaves have stalks 3-9 cm long. The leaves are oval to heart shaped and 7-20 cm long by 4-13 cm wide. The leaves get smaller up the stem.
Edible Uses
Young leaves are edible when cooked.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are eaten fresh. They are also par boiled and also fermented with soy sauce.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
A cool temperate plant. It grows on mountain slopes and the edges of forests between 200-1,100 m above sea level in north China.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Korea, Russia,
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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils in a sunny well-drained position.
Propagation
No specific information is available for this species. It is suggested to surface-sow seed, or just barely cover it, in a cold frame in spring, keeping the compost moist. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse or cold frame through their first winter, then plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring may also be possible.
Other Uses
None known.
Also Known As
Gomchi, Gomchwi, Gondeseori, Gonduseori
References (2)
- Ong, H. G., et al, 2015, Ethnobotany of the wild edible plants gathered in Ulleung Island, South Korea. Genet Resourc Crop Evol. Springer
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
