Bongardia chrysogonum

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

Bongardia chrysogonum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in May. 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Steppes, amongst field crops on clayey and solonetzic slopes. Fields, open stony hillsides and waste places.

N. Africa to W. Asia - Syria to Iran.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Tuber - baked or boiled. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked in the same manner as sorrel.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A treatment for epilepsy.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained sandy soil and a position in full sun. Strongly dislikes wet conditions. Plants must have hot, dry conditions during their summer dormancy and must not be allowed to become too wet in winter, therefore they are best grown in a bulb frame. Plants can be very long lived.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the greenhouse, putting about 3 -4 seeds in each pot. Use deep pots since the seedlings produce a contractile root that can pull themselves down to a depth of 15 - 30cm before sending up their first leaf. The seed germinates in autumn and the first leaf appears in the spring. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for at least 3 years before planting them out. Division is sometimes suggested as a means of increase, but is not possible for this species.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

B. rauwolfia. Leontice chrysogonum.