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Gypsophila struthium - Loefl.

Common Name
Family Caryophyllaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Although no mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus has a root that 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[65]. 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 Gypsaceous soils[50].
Range S. Europe.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Gypsophila struthium


http://www.flickr.com/photos/10770266%40N04
Gypsophila struthium
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Gypsophila struthium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
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

None known

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.
Alterative  Diaphoretic  Purgative  Skin  Tonic

The root is alterative, diaphoretic, purgative and tonic[4, 61]. Although rarely used, this species can be employed in many of the same ways as soapwort, Saponaria officinalis[4]. It is a valuable remedy, used as an external wash, for the treatment of many skin diseases[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Soap

The plant contains saponins[4, 61]. Can these be used as a soap substitute?

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a sunny position and a deep soil[1]. Lime tolerant[1]. Grows well in a dryish soil[1].

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

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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
Gypsophila arrostiiArrost's baby's-breathPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM01 
Gypsophila davurica Perennial0.6 -  LMHNDM10 
Gypsophila licentiana Perennial0.4 5-9  LMHNDM102
Gypsophila oldhamianaManchurian Baby's Breath, Oldham's baby's-breathPerennial1.0 0-0  LMHNDM11 
Gypsophila paniculataBaby's BreathPerennial1.2 4-10 MLMHNDM010

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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Author

Loefl.

Botanical References

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