Gerbera lanuginosa
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Gerbera lanuginosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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
Almost always found on cliffs in shady places to 2400 metres in Uttar Pradesh.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A 'cotton' from the leaves is used as a tinder and occasionally made into coarse cloth or bags.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.
How it is grown
We have virtually no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. Other members of the genus require a fertile well-drained soil and a sunny sheltered position. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist