Spanish Nut
Gynandriris sisyrinchium

Family: Iridaceae

What it is like

Gynandriris sisyrinchium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Dry places near the coast and up to 2,000 metres.

Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The root is edible raw or cooked and is also used as a spice. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

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

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a stiff limey soil in full sun. Tolerates some shade. Plants need plenty of moisture whilst in growth in winter and spring, but need a dry soil when they die down in the summer. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c, and in general does not do well in this country. It requires a summer baking to ripen the roots and ensure good flowering in the following year. It should be planted about 10 - 15cm deep. It is probably best grown in a bulb frame. The flowers usually open in the afternoon and are faded by the morning.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Possibly poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Iris sisyrinchium.