Whorlflower
Morina longifolia
Family: Morinaceae
What it is like
Morina longifolia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Moths. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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): 0.6
Where it is found
Open slopes and alpine shrubberies, 3000 - 4000 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas - Kashmir to Bhutan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The stem, leaves and flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have a sweet and astringent taste with a heating potency. They are digestive, emetic and stomachic, and are used in the treatment of stomach disorders such as indigestion giving rise to vomiting and nausea.
Digestive: Aids digestion.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
The plant is used as an incense. The roots yield 0.34% essential oil.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Incense: Aromatic plants that can be burnt to impart a pleasant smell, repel insects and disinfect closed areas.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Requires a fertile, humus-rich, moisture retentive but well-drained sandy or gritty soil in a sunny position. It grows best with a little shade and shelter from high winds. Prefers a slightly acid soil. A very ornamental plant, the leaves are spicily aromatic. A fairly easy plant to grow, though it tends to be short-lived. It is hardy to about -17°c when growing in a perfectly drained soil. It grows best in the western side of Britain, sometimes succumbing to cold in the south-east of the country. Requires protection from slugs. The flowers open in the evening and are pollinated by moths. If pollination does not take place by morning then the top of the pistil curves over and effects self-pollination. Resents root disturbance.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in individual pots to minimize disturbance to the tap root. Overwinter in a well ventilated cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Plant out into their permanent positions in the summer when the plants are at least 15cm tall. Division in spring is possible but very difficult. Divided plants are often extremely slow to re-establish. It is best carried out immediately after the plant flowers. Root cuttings in individual pots in November. Plants are quick to produce foliage but slow to form roots. They are best left in pots for 12 months before planting out.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist