Camphorosma monspeliaca
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Camphorosma monspeliaca is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Saline soils and dry waste places, north to latitude 53°north in eastern central Russia.
Southeastern Europe - Mediterranean to Siberia, western and eastern Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antiasthmatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, stimulant.
Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a sandy soil. It succeeds on sunny slopes in the warmer maritime areas of Britain, it is probably not hardy in other areas of the country. The stems and leaves emit a powerful camphor-like scent.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details of this species but would suggest that it is best sown in late winter or early spring in a freely-draining compost in a greenhouse with the seed only just covered. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the plants for at least the first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist