Herb latin name: Caltha sinogracilis


Synonyms: Caltha gracilis


Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)



Edible parts of Caltha sinogracilis:

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

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Habitat of the herb:

Grasslands, by streams at elevations of 3200 - 4100 metres in SE Xizang and NW Yunnan.

Propagation of Caltha sinogracilis:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in late summer. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in early spring or autumn. Very easy, 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 summer or following spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Grasslands, by streams at elevations of 3200 - 4100 metres in SE Xizang and NW Yunnan.

Medicinal use of Caltha sinogracilis:

None known

Known hazards of Caltha sinogracilis:

The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glycoside protoanemanin - this is destroyed by heat. The sap can irritate sensitive skin.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.