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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Kosteletzkya pentacarpos is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Root
Edible Uses: Egg Oil Tea
Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 100]. They are used as a potherb or to thicken soups[62, 183]. The leaves can be eaten raw but are rather fibrous and somewhat hairy, though the taste is pleasant[K]. Flowers - raw. Added to salads[61]. The following uses are recorded for Althaea officinalis, they are said to also apply to this species[61]:- Root - raw or cooked[61]. When boiled and then fried with onions it is said to make a palatable dish that is often used in times of shortage[4]. The root is used as a vegetable[62, 141, 183], it is also dried then ground into a powder, made into a paste and roasted to make the sweet 'marshmallow'[4, 5, 7, 17, 61]. The water left over from cooking any part of the plant can be used as an egg-white substitute in making meringues etc[62]. The water from the root is the most effective[183], it is concentrated by boiling until it has a similar consistency to egg white. A tea is made from the flowers[183]. A tea can also be made from the root[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.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Adhesive Fibre Oil
A strong fibre is obtained from the stems. It is used for making string, nets etc[74]. The following uses are recorded for Althaea officinalis, they are said to also apply to this species[61]:- A glue can be made from the root[74]. An oil from the seed is used in making paints and varnishes[74].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Prefers a deep rich moist sandy soil in a warm sunny position[1, 200]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (New Jersey, New York (southeast), Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas) SOUTHERN AMERICA: Bermuda, Cuba
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 it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
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.
Expert comment
Author
(L.)Ledeb.
Botanical References
74200
Links / References
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Readers comment
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