Drumstick primula, Himalayan primrose
Primula denticulata

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 20-30 cm high and spreads 25-45 cm wide. It is covered with white hairs that brush off. The flower buds are round and at ground level. These stretch to 23-30 cm on sturdy short stems. The flowers are round and open in a range of colours. They can be lilac, red or purple.

There are about 410 Primula species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows well beside water. In Pakistan it grows between 1,300-4,300 m altitude. It grows near melting snow. It Tibet it grows in open forests and grassland between 1,500-4,100 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, Tasmania, Tibet

How it is used for food

The flowers are eaten in salads.

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Obloglavi jeglič

Synonyms

Primula adenophora Blatter; Primula aequalis Craib; Primula cachemeriana Munro; Primula harsukhii Craib; Primula paucifolia (Hook.f.) Watt ex Craib; Primula platycrana Craib;