Kosteletzkya pentacarpos
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Seaside bogs of the Caspian littoral, along the west and south coasts.
Europe - Italy to the Caspian sea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves - raw or cooked. They are used as a potherb or to thicken soups. The leaves can be eaten raw but are rather fibrous and somewhat hairy, though the taste is pleasant. Flowers - raw. Added to salads. The following uses are recorded for Althaea officinalis, they are said to also apply to this species: Root - raw or cooked. When boiled and then fried with onions it is said to make a palatable dish that is often used in times of shortage. The root is used as a vegetable, it is also dried then ground into a powder, made into a paste and roasted to make the sweet 'marshmallow'. The water left over from cooking any part of the plant can be used as an egg-white substitute in making meringues etc. The water from the root is the most effective, it is concentrated by boiling until it has a similar consistency to egg white. A tea is made from the flowers. A tea can also be made from the root.
Oil: Oil
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Egg: Substitutes for eggs.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A strong fibre is obtained from the stems. It is used for making string, nets etc. The following uses are recorded for Althaea officinalis, they are said to also apply to this species: A glue can be made from the root. An oil from the seed is used in making paints and varnishes.
Adhesive: Glues.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
How it is grown
Prefers a deep rich moist sandy soil in a warm sunny position. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist