Sium helenianum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Sium helenianum 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) and medium (loamy) 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
Wet marshy places.
St. Helena.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Stem - raw.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
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. The stems are sold in markets as a food crop in areas where the plant grows wild. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light, rich, moisture retentive soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a cold frame. It can be slow to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring just before new growth begins. Use the side roots. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist