Chrysosplenium carnosum
Family: Saxifragaceae
What it is like
Chrysosplenium carnosum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles, flies. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Found at elevations of 4,200 - 4,500 metres, often near the line of perpetual snow. Alpine scrub meadows and alpine rock clefts at elevations of 4400 - 4700 metres in western China.
E. Asia - Sikkim.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, where it is considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of headaches and inflammation of the gall bladder.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most areas of the country. A low-growing plant, spreading by means of stolons produced in the leaf axils to produce a carpet of growth. It is perhaps no more than an extreme form of C. alternifolium. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils if they are moist. Requires a constantly wet but well-drained soil. Prefers acid soils. Prefers a shady position, succeeding in woodland.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame. Stand the pot in 2cm of water. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet