Ixeris polycephala

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Ixeris polycephala is a BIENNIAL 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 or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Wet places by paddy fields, central and southern Japan. Moist shady places at elevations of 700 - 2100 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - Himalayas to China, Japan and Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves and young stems - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of fevers. A paste made from the flower heads is applied to the skin in the treatment of scabies.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in

Other

Rating:

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

How it is grown

We have very little 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 at least in the milder parts of the country. We suggest growing it in a sunny position and a moist or wet soil.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in spring and only just covering the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lactuca polycephala. (Cass.)Benth.