Roman Pimpernel, Mediterranean hartwort
Tordylium apulum

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Tordylium apulum is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Cultivated and waste ground, also along the sides of tracks in the Mediterranean.

Europe to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The young plant is used as a vegetable in Greece. In Italy it is used as a condiment.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame or greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out after the last expected frosts. Division in spring might be possible.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Concylocarpus apulus.