Ligularia amplexicaulis
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Ligularia amplexicaulis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in leaf all year. 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 soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Found at elevations from 2,700 - 4,800 metres in the Himalayas. Moist rocky slopes, generally besides streams, at elevations of 2700 - 3600 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Garwhal and also in Sikkim.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The stems, leaves and flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have an astringent taste and a cooling potency. Digestive and emetic, they are used in the treatment of vomiting from indigestion. The pounded root is applied as a poultice to sprains and dislocated bones.
Digestive: Aids digestion.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to succeed in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a deep moist or even boggy fertile humus-rich soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. Plants often wilt on bright windy days. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by slugs and snails.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist