code: 813
This is the Chinese form of European liquorice
Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Yunnan Liquorice, Chinese Liquorice
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 1.2 meters
Maximum Height: 1.5 meters
Packet Content(approx.): 10
Pink, clover-like flower heads ripen to what is probably the most attractive aspect of this plant, which is the great globular seed heads with sharp teeth and reddish spines. Large, divided, typical pea-family leaves cover the entire plant. This is the Chinese form of European liquorice, which is still used in many Chinese medicines. It Comes from the province of Yunnan in south western China where it grows on forest edges, on open grassy areas, hillsides and roadsides, where it thrives in deep, fertile, moist soil.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Origin:
China, Yunnan: forest margins, mountain meadows, roadsides.
Special Features:
Decorative reddish, spherically seed pods. Long-lasting perennial. Seed heads for cutting or dried flowers.
Historical:
Traditional medicinal plant of Western and Chinese Medicine (YUN NAN GAN CAO).
Flower Colour:
violet
Natural Flowering Period:
June – August
