Adesmia lotoides

Adesmia lotoides
(c) Sebastián Lescano, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Sebastián Lescano

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun

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 areas of the country. Judging by its native habitat, it is likely to need a well-drained light soil in a sunny position and to be tolerant of maritime exposure[K]. 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

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water and then sowing it in a greenhouse in spring. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow the plants on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse and then plant them out in late spring or early summer.

Edible uses

Rhizome. No further details.

Habitat

Open soil and sand, coastal scrub to 40 metres in Tierra Del Fuego and north to 50° in Chile and 41° in Argentina.

Native range

Southern S. America - Argentina, Chile.