Onosma bracteatum
Family: Boraginaceae
What it is like
Onosma bracteatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Rocky slopes in dry areas, 3300 - 5000 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Uttar Pradesh to C. Nepal.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is alterative, demulcent, refrigerant and tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatism, syphilis and leprosy. The plant is considered to be useful in relieving excessive thirst and restlessness in febrile excitement, and also to be useful in relieving functional palpitation of the heart, irritation of the bladder and stomach, and strangury.
Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Leprosy: Used to treat leprosy - a chronic bacterial infection of the skin and superficial nerves (in the skin) caused by Mycobacterium leprae.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Refrigerant: Cools the body.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating: 1
A report says that the plant is used in technology, but it gives no more information. It is quite likely that this refers to the use of the root as a source of a red dye.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
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 should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers a deep rather rich sandy loam. Best grown in a crevice in a rock garden or on a wall. Tolerates hot dry conditions and also drought once it is established, but disliking winter wet. Plants also dislike wet summers.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in early summer. Cuttings in a frame in the summer. Shade them for the first 10 - 12 days.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist