Linum humile
Family: Linaceae
What it is like
Linum humile is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
The plant has been cultivated for many centuries for its fibre and oil, it is not known in a genuinely wild state.
N. Africa - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The seed yields 42 - 45% of an edible oil.
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A fibre is obtained from the stem.
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 light well-drained moderately fertile humus-rich soil in a sunny sheltered position. Considered by most botanists to be no more than a cultivar of L. usitatissimum, it is cultivated for its fibre and seed.
Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in situ.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist