Rakaf
Leontice leontopetalum
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
Leontice leontopetalum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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): 0.5
Where it is found
Sunny rocky places on cultivated ground, 400 - 2200 metres. Plants are sometimes found on limestone, they also grow in steppes and semi-desert.
Europe - Mediterranean to N. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The tuber is said to contain a significant quantity of starch, from which a liquor is distilled.
Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The tuber is used as a cure for epilepsy and leprosy. It is also said to be an antidote to opium.
Antidote: Counters poisoning.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Epilepsy: Used in the treatment of Epilepsy - a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures.
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.
Other
Rating: 1
A soap is obtained from the plant, it is used in removing stains from cloth.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Soap: Plants used directly as a soap substitute.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.
How it is grown
Succeeds in an ordinary well-drained soil. Plants require plenty of moisture during their winter-spring growing period and then a warm dry rest period in the summer. In cool moist temperate climates they are best grown in a bulb frame and kept completely dry in the summer. They can succeed outdoors in warm dry areas. The tuber should not be covered when planting. This is a strange report when considered against the report that seeds pull themselves down 15 - 30cm into the soil when they germinate - see below.
Propagating it: Seed - sow 3 - 4 seeds in each pot of deep soil in a greenhouse, covering the seed with 2cm of soil. It germinates in the autumn and pulls itself down 15 - 30cm deep into the soil before the first leaves appear in the spring. If necessary, thin the plants to the best one in each pot and grow them on for at least three years in their pots before trying them outdoors. Give regular weak liquid feeds to ensure that the plants do not become nutrient deficient. Plants are very slow growing and can take several years before they first flower.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist