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Eminium spiculatum - (Bl)Kuntze.

Common Name
Family Araceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards Many plants in this family are poisonous raw, due to the presence of calcium oxylate crystals. If eaten raw, this toxin gives you a sensation as if hundreds of tiny needles are sticking into the mouth, tongue etc. However, it is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant. Although no specific mention has been seen for this plant it is wise to assume that it is poisonous in its raw state.
Habitats Dry rocky places[200].
Range S. Europe - Mediterranean to W. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Eminium spiculatum


Eminium spiculatum

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Eminium spiculatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to June. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained 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

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

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

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a deep light fertile perfectly drained soil in a sunny position[200]. Strongly dislikes wet soils, it also need a period of warm dry weather when it is dormant in late summer in order to promote good flowering the following year[200]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c so long as the soil is well-drained[200]. It is usually best grown in a bulb frame or cold greenhouse, but can succeed outdoors at the base of a south-facing wall and also in a rock garden in dry summer areas. The flowers are malodorous, attracting flies for pollination[200]. The fruit is developed at the base of the flowering stem, usually below ground, breaking the soil surface to disperse the seed[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe, though the seed can also be sown in early spring. Prick out the young seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting out in late summer when the plants are dormant[200]. Division in late summer when the plants are dormant[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

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.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Bl)Kuntze.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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Subject : Eminium spiculatum  
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