Aletris spicata

Family: Liliaceae

What it is like

Aletris spicata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from March to August, and the seeds ripen from May to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Hills and low mountains in C. and S. Japan. Forests, thicket margins, scrub, grasslands, streamsides, roadsides at elevations of 100 - 2900 metres in China.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root is antitussive and vermifuge.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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 in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a damp sunny position in peat, leafmold and sand. Requires a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Sow the seed thinly to allow the seedlings to be grown on for their first year without potting them up, but give a liquid feed from time to time to ensure that they do not become nutrient deficient. Prick the young plants out into individual pots the following spring and grow them on in the greenhouse for the next winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. japonica. Hypoxis farinosa. H. spicata.