Azorella caespitosa
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Azorella caespitosa is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.6 m (2ft). It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. 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 dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Sands, gravels and rocky areas, open grassland and dry Empetrum heath to 50 metres above sea level. Plants grow wild as far north as latitude 51°s in Chile and latitude 41°s in Argentina.
Southern S. America - Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - raw or cooked.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Hepatic. It is used in the treatment of liver and kidney problems.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Other
Rating: 1
A resin is obtained from the plant. Its uses are not given in the report but are possibly connected to its medicinal properties.
Resin: Used in perfumery, medicines, paints, soap making etc. This also includes turpentine, which is extracted from many resins and used as a preservative, water proofer etc,
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. It should also be very tolerant of maritime exposure. A mat forming plant, it can be up to 60cm in diameter. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a position in full sun in a well-drained gritty soil.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest sowing the seed in late winter in a cold frame. Grow on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse or frame and plant out in late spring. Division.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist