Scorzonera albicaulis
Bunge
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(c) yiyuyuye, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Scorzonera albicaulis is a perennial herb reaching 0.3 m (1 ft) tall. It is hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. This species thrives in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. It tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soils. It requires full sun and adapts to both dry and moist soil conditions.
Description
A herb. It grows 1.2 m tall. It keeps growing from year to year. The rootstock is 1.5 cm across. There is a single stem. The leaves at the base are in a ring. They are narrow and 40 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The leaves on the stem are shorter.
Edible Uses
The root is edible when cooked. Young leaves can also be cooked and eaten.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in mountain valleys and the edges of forests between 200-2,500 m above sea level in northern China. In Sichuan.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Korea, Manchuria, Mongolia, 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 should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any soil in sun or light shade.
Propagation
Seed: sow in spring in a greenhouse. Prick out seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into relatively deep pots to accommodate the taproot. If growth is good, plant out in early summer; otherwise grow on in the greenhouse through the first winter and plant out in late spring the following year. Division in autumn or as growth begins in spring. Larger divisions can go directly 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.
Other Uses
A latex obtained by macerating the root is used to produce a high-quality rubber.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Urgamal, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Nyambayar, D. & Dulamsuren, Ch. 2014. Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia. (Editors: Sanchir, Ch. & Jamsran, Ts.). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “Admon“ Press. 334pp. (p. 199-230).
