Teke-Saghyz
Scorzonera acanthoclada
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Scorzonera acanthoclada is a PERENNIAL. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Dry habitats in the Ural Mountains at an altitude of 2200 - 3900 metres, in areas where winter temperatures are around freezing and the summers are dry with temperatures around 20°c.
E. Europe - Ural Mountains.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The root contains a high concentration of a good quality latex that can be used for making rubber. The latex is extracted by maceration of the root.
Latex: A source of rubber.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any soil in sun or light shade. Plants are probably adaptable to the British climate. Plants usually regenerate from the root after they have been harvested.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into relatively deep pots to accommodate the tap root. If growth is good, plant out in early summer, other wise grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Division in autumn or as growth commences in the spring. 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. Root cuttings in the autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist