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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Megacarpaea polyandra is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
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 moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses: Condiment

The plant is eaten as a vegetable[183]. The young shoots and leaves are eaten cooked[1, 51, 145, 266, 272]. The root is used as a condiment[1, 177, 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

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained but deep rich soil that is dry in the summer and a position in full sun[187, 200]. Hardy to about -20°c[187]. The flowers are normally hermaphrodite but are sometimes monoecious or reduced[200]. Plants take many years to flower from seed and are possibly monocarpic[187].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame if this is possible. Otherwise sow it in early spring in a cold frame. Prick the seedlings out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings may succeed[200].

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible
Megacarpaea delavayi	Perennial	0.8	-	LM	N	M	1
Megacarpaea gigantea	Perennial	1.8	-	LM	N	M	3
Megacarpaea megalocarpa	Perennial	0.3	6-9	LM	N	DM	3

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.

Megacarpaea polyandra - Benth.