Acalbir, Akalbir
Datisca cannabina
Family: Datiscaceae
What it is like
Datisca cannabina is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.8
Where it is found
Banks of streams in rich alluvial soils.
S. Europe (Crete), to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves and flowering stems are bitter, diuretic, febrifuge and purgative. The root is used as a sedative in the treatment of rheumatism. It is also applied to carious teeth.
Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating: 1
A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves, root and stems.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Requires a good deep soil and a sunny position. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Give the roots protection from winter frosts by mulching them. At one time this plant was commonly cultivated as a dye plant, but with the advent of chemical dyes it has fallen into disuse. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse, only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 18°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in the spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist