Spiked centaury
Centaurium spicatum

Family: Gentianaceae

What it is like

Centaurium spicatum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Damp grassy or sandy places near the sea in S. Europe.

S. Europe, Asia, Australia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

Stomachic (especially in cases of dysentery and diarrhoea).

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

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 it should succeed as a spring sown annual in this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained sandy loam with some peat.

Propagating it: Seed - sow February to May in situ or as soon as it is ripe in situ. The seed germinates in 3 - 8 weeks at 24°c.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. australe. Erythraea australis. E. spicata.