Saussurea roylei
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Saussurea roylei is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 6in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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): 0.5
Where it is found
Open slopes at elevations of 3,000 - 4,200 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - Himalayas from India to Nepal and Tibet.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. Antidote, anti-inflammatory, emollient, haemostatic and vasoconstrictor, it is used in the treatment of wounds, excessive bleeding and meat poisoning. A paste of the plant is used as a poultice to relieve aching joints.
Antidandruff: Treats dandruff.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.
Vasoconstrictor: Narrows the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have almost no 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 many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. According to the RBG Edinburgh, the correct author of this plant name is (DC.) Sch.Bip. Succeeds in most soils in a sunny well-drained position.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. Surface sow, or only just cover the seed, and make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring might be possible.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist