Barbarea australis
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Barbarea australis is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 6in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees, beetles. The plant is 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Wettish land in the montane and sub-alpine zones.
Australia - New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked. A pungent, peppery flavour.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are antiscorbutic.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
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 at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in sun or shade in a moist well-drained soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in situ in early spring to early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist