Megacarpaea megalocarpa
Family: Brassicaceae or Cruciferae
What it is like
Megacarpaea megalocarpa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Saline semi-deserts. Deserts, dry clayey and solonetzic steppes, occasionally on rocks and stony slopes.
E. Europe to C. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Root - cooked. Starchy, thick and nutritious. The root is up to 3cm thick.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a light well-drained soil in a sunny position. The flowers are normally hermaphrodite but are sometimes monoecious or reduced.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if this is possible. Otherwise sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick the seedlings out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings may succeed.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist