Hemiphragma heterophyllum
Family: Scrophulariaceae
What it is like
Hemiphragma heterophyllum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. 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). Suitable for: light (sandy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Dry slopes, forest and scrub at elevations of 1800 - 4000 metres.
E. Asia - Western Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. The bright red ripe fruits are eaten fresh.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The juice of the plant is applied to cuts and wounds.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Grows best in a warm, sheltered sunny position in a light well-drained soil. Plants are not very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures down to around -7°c. It succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain but elsewhere needs protection from winter cold. A prostrate perennial, forming spreading carpets of growth.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division of plants in mid spring. Layering. Plants often produce new roots along the stems at the nodes. Cuttings.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist