Gypsophila licentiana
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Gypsophila licentiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. 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 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): 0.4
Where it is found
Dry sandy places and stony slopes. Mountain slopes, sands and field margins at elevations of 500 - 2000 metres.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A vegetable. No more details are given, we do not know what part of the plant is used.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The root is a good source of saponins. Saponins can be used as a soap substitute. They lather well in water and make a gentle and effective cleaner.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained soil in full sun. Lime tolerant, it grows well in a dryish soil. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c. Closely related to and often confused with C. autifolia, a species growing in the Caucasus. This species is cultivated for the saponins contained in the thick root.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and, if growth is sufficient, plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings before the plant flowers. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Root cuttings.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
The root is rich in saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by heat so a long slow baking can destroy them. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.