Herpetospermum pedunculosum

Herpetospermum pedunculosum
(c) rawdenh, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by rawdenh

At a glance

Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. Judging by its native habitat, it is likely to prefer growing along a warm sunny woodland border in Britain[K]. 241077

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors - a simple pane of glass is usually sufficient[K].

Edible uses

Seed - fried and then eaten.

Medicinal uses

The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. The pounded root is used to treat problems of the bile ducts.

Habitat

Forest edges, especially along trails at elevations of 1000 - 3000 metres in Nepal.

Native range

E. Asia - Himalayas to China and Tibet.