Ferula karelinii

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Ferula karelinii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. 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): 0.6

Where it is found

Hummocky sands, stony, clayey and sandy solonetzic deserts. Desert tracts in sandy places in Tibet.

C. Asia to Tibet.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root. No more details are given.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. Other members of the genus succeeds in most soils according to one report whilst other reports say that they require a deep fertile soil in a sunny position. Plants have a long taproot and are intolerant of root disturbance. They should be planted into their final positions as soon as possible.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as the seed is ripe in a greenhouse in autumn. Otherwise sow in April in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them out into their permanent positions whilst still small because the plants dislike root disturbance. Give the plants a protective mulch for at least their first winter outdoors. Division in autumn. This may be inadvisable due to the plants dislike of root disturbance.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Schumannia karelinii. (Bunge.)Korov.