Herb: Rakaf


Latin name: Leontice leontopetalum


Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)



Medicinal use of Rakaf:

The tuber is used as a cure for epilepsy and leprosy. It is also said to be an antidote to opium.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

Sunny rocky places on cultivated ground, 400 - 2200 metres. Plants are sometimes found on limestone, they also grow in steppes and semi-desert.

Other uses of Rakaf:

A soap is obtained from the plant, it is used in removing stains from cloth.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow 3 - 4 seeds in each pot of deep soil in a greenhouse, covering the seed with 2cm of soil. It germinates in the autumn and pulls itself down 15 - 30cm deep into the soil before the first leaves appear in the spring. If necessary, thin the plants to the best one in each pot and grow them on for at least three years in their pots before trying them outdoors. Give regular weak liquid feeds to ensure that the plants do not become nutrient deficient.

Cultivation of Rakaf:

Sunny rocky places on cultivated ground, 400 - 2200 metres. Plants are sometimes found on limestone, they also grow in steppes and semi-desert.

Known hazards of Leontice leontopetalum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.