Herb latin name: Mitchella undulata


Family: Rubiaceae (Madder Family)



Edible parts of Mitchella undulata:

Fruit. Not very well-flavoured.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Flowering:
June
to July

Habitat of the herb:

Woody hillsides on sandy substrates.

Other uses of Mitchella undulata:

Can be used as a ground cover plant in a shady position. Especially good on a peat terrace or in a woodland. Plants form a spreading carpet, rooting along the stems, and are best spaced about 30cm apart each way.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - it germinates better if given 3 months cold stratification and so it is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Make sure that all the fruit pulp is removed from the seed because it contains germination inhibitors. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division of naturally layered stems in the spring. Cuttings.

Cultivation of Mitchella undulata:

Woody hillsides on sandy substrates.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Mitchella undulata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.