Heracleum tuberosum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Heracleum tuberosum 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
Sandy places near hedges.
S. America - Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root. The yellow root has a pleasant taste, it can be 15cm long and 8cm wide. The roots are produced abundantly.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
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. 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 the 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.