Conandron ramondioides
Family: Gesneriaceae
What it is like
Conandron ramondioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Wet rocky cliffs in the mountains of C. and S. Japan. Streamside rocks, rocky cliffs in forests at elevations of 600 - 1300 metres in China.
E. Asia - Japan, Taiwan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked. Used as a famine food when all else fails.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in a shady crevice of a cool rock garden in a humus-rich well-drained acidic soil. This species is not quite hardy when grown outdoors in Britain and is best grown in the alpine house or with some protection when grown outdoors. A pane of glass to cover the plant is probably sufficient.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Do not let the pots dry out and give artificial light during the winter. The seed can also be surface sown in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist