Youth on age, Piggyback-plant, Thousand mothers
Tolmiea menziesii
Family: Saxifragaceae
What it is like
It is a perennial plant. It has a well developed underground stem or rhizome. Young plants are produced on the leaves. It grows 30-50 cm high and 45-60 cm wide. The leaves are hairy and lobed and with teeth around the edge. The leaves are 10 cm across. The flowers are small slightly fragrant purplish brown. The flower stems are 30-60 cm long. Small plantlets develop from the buds.
There is only one Tolmiea species.
Where it is found
It grows on the ground in conifer woodland. It needs protection from the sun. It needs cool moist soil rich in organic matter. It is frost hardy. It needs cool conditions and would only survive at higher altitudes in the tropics. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Europe, Hawaii, North America (country/location of origin), Pacific, USA
How it is used for food
The sprouts are eaten raw in early spring.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by division. They can also be by removal of plantlets, and from seed.