Megacarpaea polyandra
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −17.8 °C
Cultivation
Requires a well-drained but deep rich soil that is dry in the summer and a position in full sun. Hardy to about -20°c. The flowers are normally hermaphrodite but are sometimes monoecious or reduced. Plants take many years to flower from seed and are possibly monocarpic.
Propagation
Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if this is possible. Otherwise sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick the seedlings out 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 out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings may succeed.
Edible uses
The plant is eaten as a vegetable. The root is used as a condiment.
Habitat
Alpine meadows and open forests, 3000 - 4300 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - Himalayas from Kashmir to C. Nepal.