Prangos pabularia
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Prangos pabularia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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): 1
Where it is found
Stony slopes in the Himalayas, 2100 - 3300 metres from Afghanistan to Kashmir.
W. Asia to E. Asia - Iran to India.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves and young shoots. The reports give no more details.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The fruit is carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, stimulant and stomachic. Its use promotes the expulsion of the foetus from the womb. The seeds are aphrodisiac and stomachic. The roots are diuretic and emmenagogue. They are used to cure itch.
Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
The fresh plant contains about 2% essential oil, it has medicinal applications.
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 at least in the milder areas of the country. It is likely to require a well-drained soil and a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise sow it in the spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division might be possible in the spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist