Mosla scabra
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Mosla scabra is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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): 0.6
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 leaves - cooked. Although edible, they are not very pleasant.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Carminative.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Other
Rating:
Used as a parasiticide. No more details are given.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
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:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist