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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Bongardia chrysogonum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

B. rauwolfia. Leontice chrysogonum.

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root
Edible Uses:

Tuber - baked or boiled[2, 74, 105, 183]. The leaves are eaten raw or cooked in the same manner as sorrel[2, 183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antispasmodic Epilepsy

A treatment for epilepsy[89].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained sandy soil and a position in full sun[1, 200, 280]. Strongly dislikes wet conditions[1]. Plants must have hot, dry conditions during their summer dormancy and must not be allowed to become too wet in winter, therefore they are best grown in a bulb frame[90, 130, 200]. Plants can be very long lived[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the greenhouse[200], putting about 3 -4 seeds in each pot. Use deep pots since the seedlings produce a contractile root that can pull themselves down to a depth of 15 - 30cm before sending up their first leaf[130]. The seed germinates in autumn and the first leaf appears in the spring[130]. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for at least 3 years before planting them out. Division is sometimes suggested as a means of increase, but is not possible for this species[130].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia EUROPE: Greece AFRICA: Libya

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Bongardia chrysogonum - (L.)Griseb.