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Gypsophila licentiana - Hand.-Mazz.

Common Name
Family Caryophyllaceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards The root is rich in saponins[2]. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by heat so a long slow baking can destroy them. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Habitats Dry sandy places and stony slopes[187]. Mountain slopes, sands and field margins at elevations of 500 - 2000 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - China.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Gypsophila licentiana


Gypsophila licentiana

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Gypsophila licentiana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

A vegetable[177]. No more details are given, we do not know what part of the plant is used.

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

Soap

The root is a good source of saponins[2]. Saponins can be used as a soap substitute. They lather well in water and make a gentle and effective cleaner.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained soil in full sun[187]. Lime tolerant, it grows well in a dryish soil[1]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[187]. Closely related to and often confused with C. autifolia, a species growing in the Caucasus[266]. This species is cultivated for the saponins contained in the thick root[2].

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 - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and, if growth is sufficient, plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. If the plants are too small to plant out, grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Basal cuttings before the plant flowers. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Root cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

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
Gypsophila arrostiiArrost's baby's-breathPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM01 
Gypsophila davurica Perennial0.6 -  LMHNDM10 
Gypsophila oldhamianaManchurian Baby's Breath, Oldham's baby's-breathPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM11 
Gypsophila paniculataBaby's BreathPerennial1.2 4-10 MLMHNDM010
Gypsophila struthium Perennial0.2 -  LMHNDM021

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

Hand.-Mazz.

Botanical References

1266

Links / References

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

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Subject : Gypsophila licentiana  
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