Sand Rice
Agriophyllum squarrosum
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Agriophyllum squarrosum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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): 0.4
Where it is found
Dunes and sandy places in northern China.
E. Asia - Siberia to Mongolia
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Seed - raw or cooked. An important local food.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
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. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors as a spring sown annual at least in the drier eastern areas of the country. The plant is likely to require a very well drained soil and a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but would recommend sowing the seed in the spring. If you have sufficient seed, then an outdoor sowing in situ in late spring would probably work, otherwise sow the seed in pots in a greenhouse in early spring, pricking out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and planting them out in late spring after the last expected frost.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist