Indian Madder (Rubia manjith)

Indian Madder (Rubia manjith)
(c) T. Abe Lloyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by T. Abe Lloyd

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Partial shade

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 parts of the country. It is possible that many if not all the useful attributes of R. cordifolia also belong here since there is some confusion over the names. All the attributes of both species are listed here and it is noted where they have been applied to R. cordifolia rather than this species. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for the first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring or at any time in the growing season if the divisions are kept well watered until established. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Edible uses

The following uses have been applied to R. cordifolia but might also apply here. Leaves - cooked. They are used as a side dish with rice. Fruit - raw.

Medicinal uses

The following notes are for the related R. cordifolia. They quite possibly also belong here. The roots are alterative, anodyne, antiphlogistic, antitussive, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, styptic, tonic and vulnerary. The stems are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency.

Material uses

A valuable red dye is obtained from the root and stems.

Habitat

Growing on shrubs, 1200 - 2700 metres.

Native range

E. Asia - Pakistan to S.E. Tibet.

Same genus