Lepidium apetalum

Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae

What it is like

Lepidium apetalum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from April to August, and the seeds ripen from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Steppes, solonetzic soils, roadsides and weed-infested places. Roadsides, slopes, waste places, ravines, plains and fields at elevations of 400 - 4800 metres in China.

Europe to E. Asia - China and Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, diuretic and purgative. The seed is also cardiotonic. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of asthma, coughs, nausea, oedema and pleurisy. The root is decocted with other herbs and used as an expectorant. The plant contains antibacterial substances.

Antiasthmatic: Treats asthma.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

L. micranthum. Lebour.