Cuckoo Flower
Cardamine loxostemonoides
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Cardamine loxostemonoides is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Open places at elevations of 2900 - 5500 metres in Tibet.
E. Asia - Himalayas from India to China and Tibet.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Tender young shoots and leaves - cooked as a vegetable.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade but succeeds in most soils that are not dry.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist