Caucasian pennycress
Pachyphragma macrophyllum

Family: Brassicaceae

What it is like

A cabbage family herb. It is a perennial plant. It grows to 0.3 m high. It spreads to 1 m across. It is a ground cover plant. It forms rhizomes. The leaves are large and round and green. They are 3-10 cm across. They have long stalks and are at the base of the plant. The flowers are white and in open spikes. The flowers are 18 mm across. They have 4 petals. The flattened fruit are held above the leaves. They are heart shaped.

There is only one Pachyphragma species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet beech forests to elevations of 1900 metres in Turkey. It will grow in shady places. It is very shade tolerant. It can stand light frosts. It will grow beneath trees and in shady places. It does best in moderately moist leafy soil. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Caucasus, Europe, North America, Tasmania, Turkey (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed then transplanted. It can also be grown by dividing the plants in spring. Cuttings can be taken from basal shoots which have roots attached.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Thlaspi macrophyllum Hoffm.; and others