Atraphaxis spinosa

Atraphaxis spinosa
(c) Юрий Данилевский (Yuriy Danilevsky), some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Юрий Данилевский (Yuriy Danilevsky)

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun
Frost limit
−23.3 °C

Cultivation

Requires a sunny position in a light well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c so long as the soil is not wet over the winter. The tiny flowers have long lasting petals. This species is closely related to A. frutescens. Any pruning should be restricted to the removal of branch tips every second or third year during the spring in order to maintain a neat compact habit. Established specimens resent root disturbance.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Cuttings of soft wood in early summer in a frame. Layering in spring.

Edible uses

The plant is a source of a yellowish-white manna-like substance that is eaten as a food or used in making sweetmeats.

Habitat

Grassy plains in semi-desert or very dry soils.

Native range

S.E. Europe to W. Asia.