Dwarf Mentzelia
Mentzelia pumila
Family: Loasaceae
What it is like
Mentzelia pumila is a PERENNIAL. 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, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Not known
Western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - raw or cooked. They are parched and ground into a meal. This use has not been verified.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is used as a toothache medicine. The root is laxative. It is dried, ground into a powder and inserted as a suppository in the rectum to treat constipation.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
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, nor are we sure if it is an annual or a perennial. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a warm sunny sheltered position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist