Dog's Cabbage
Theligonum cynocrambe

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

Theligonum cynocrambe is a ANNUAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Damp or shady rocks and walls.

Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - cooked. A sub-acid flavour, it is used as a spinach substitute though it is slightly purgative.

Medicine

Rating: 1

Laxative.

Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have no details on the cultivation needs of this species, see the plants native habitat for ideas. The plant is occasionally cultivated for its edible leaves in the Mediterranean.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. We are not sure if this plant is frost-hardy, it might be worth sowing the seed in a greenhouse and planting out after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; North Wall. In. East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cynocrambe prostrata.