Galingale
Cyperus longus
Family: Cyperaceae
What it is like
Cyperus longus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 2 m (6ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
By water in ditches and marshy places.
Britain and the Mediterranean region north to Lake Geneva.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Tuber - used as a spice in soups, pies and sweets.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is an aromatic tonic. It was at one time considered to be a good stomachic and useful in the first stages of dropsy, but it has now fallen into disuse.
Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The leaves are used in basketry and for weaving hats, matting etc. The root and stem have the scent of violets and are used in perfumery. The aroma becomes more pronounced when the root has been dried and left to age. A fibre obtained from the plant is used in paper making.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.
Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a moist sandy loam. Succeeds in any good garden soil so long as it does not dry out, it also grows well in up to 30cm of water. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A very ornamental plant, though it can spread freely at the roots when well-suited. Galingale was one of the favourite spices of the medieval kitchen and was an ingredient of 'pokerounce', a kind of medieval cinnamon toast. It is rarely used at present. Both the root and the stem have a sweet moss-like perfume, resembling that of the violet but not so pure. The aroma becomes more fragrant with age.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in the spring and keep the compost moist. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 18°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Division is simple at almost any time of the year, so long as the roots are not allowed to become dry. Plant them out straight into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet, water