Boopsis australis

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 some provenances at least should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. Plants are likely to be resistant to maritime winds. They probably require a light very well drained soil in a sunny position and will be more likely to be killed by winter wet than by cold.

Propagation

Seed - possibly best sown in a greenhouse in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Edible uses

Root - roasted.

Habitat

Open sands and gravels by the coast and estuaries, to elevations of 60 metres, from Tierra Del Fuego and north to latitude 39°s in Argentina.

Native range

Southern S. America.