Lepidium iberis
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Lepidium iberis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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
Not known
S. Europe to the Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant is rubefacient. It is applied externally in the treatment of rheumatism. The seeds are used in the treatment of dropsy. The seeds of the sub-species L. iberis alba are used in Indian medicine. No more details are given.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.
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 at least in the milder 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
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist