Mosla dianthera

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae, Miniature beefsteakplant

What it is like

Mosla dianthera is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July 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

Grassy slopes in lowland and hills all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - cooked. Although edible, they are not very pleasant.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are carminative. Recommended in cases of heartburn.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Other

Rating: 0

How it is grown

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it should be possible to grow it as a hardy annual in most parts of the country. It probably requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in situ in mid to late spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

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

M. grosseserrata. Maxim. Lycopus dianthera. Orthodon grosseserratum.