Calligonum aphyllum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

Calligonum aphyllum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in July. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Sandy soils in dry arid regions.

Europe to Asia - Caspian Sea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young shoots - cooked. An edible gum or mucilage is obtained from the leaves. The pounded root furnishes an edible mucilaginous substance resembling gum tragacanth (see Ferula species). One report says that the plant has an edible fruit. This possibly refers to the seed.

Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.

How it is grown

Requires a dryish sunny position and a sandy loam. Plants are tolerant of extreme cold but they are impatient of shade or excessive moisture.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species. The seed is probably best sown in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in early summer of the following year.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. pallasia. L'Hér.