Heracleum lallii
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Heracleum lallii is a PERENNIAL. 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Open slopes, pastures and meadows, also in open shrubby areas, in the lower subalpine to lower alpine zones.
E. Asia - Himalayas in central and western Nepal.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is used in Tibetan medicine, where it is considered to have a bitter and acrid taste with a neutral potency. Analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory, it is used in the treatment of contagious diseases, swelling/pain in the joints and arthritis. It is also used in the treatment of all types of pain, toothache and the inability to micturate or defecate.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
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, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in much of Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil, doing best in moist soils or deep woodland.
Propagating it: Seed - sow mid to late spring or early autumn in situ. Division in autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many members of this genus contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties. Skin contact with the sap of some members of this genus is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.