Atraphaxis spinosa
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
Atraphaxis spinosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 1.2 m (4ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Grassy plains in semi-desert or very dry soils. Slopes, deserts (including the Gobi), roadsides, margins of cultivated land at elevations of 400--1800 metres in northern China.
S.E. Europe to W. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The plant is a source of a yellowish-white manna-like substance that is eaten as a food or used in making sweetmeats.
Manna: this is a sweet substance that exudes naturally from certain plants, usually from the stems.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a sunny position in a light well-drained soil of low to moderate fertility. Succeeds in the rock garden or on a sunny stony bank. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c so long as the soil is not wet over the winter. The tiny flowers have long lasting petals. This species is closely related to A. frutescens. Any pruning should be restricted to the removal of branch tips every second or third year during the spring in order to maintain a neat compact habit. Established specimens resent root disturbance.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Seedlings are prone to damp off so should be watered with care and kept well ventilated. Cuttings of soft wood in early summer in a frame. Layering in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist