Glycyrrhiza malensis
a perennial member of the Glycyrrhiza genus in the family Leguminosae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Genus
- Glycyrrhiza
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The fibrous root has a very sweet flavour. It is boiled in water to extract the sugars etc and these are used as a liquorice substitute[3].
- Plant part
- Root
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China.
- Habitat
- Not known
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow spring or autumn in a greenhouse[1]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on for their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant out in late spring or early summer when in active growth. Plants are rather slow to grow from seed[2]. Division of the root in spring or autumn. Each division must have at least one growth bud. Autumn divisions can either be replanted immediately or stored in clamps until the spring and then be planted out[1]. It is best to pt up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established before planting them out in the spring or summer.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. This species is not recognised in the International Legume Database. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a deep well cultivated fertile moisture-retentive soil for good root production[1]. Prefers a sandy soil with abundant moisture[2]. Slightly alkaline conditions produce the best plants[2]. A very deep-rooted plant, it can be difficult to eradicate once it is established[2]. Unless seed is required, the plant is usually prevented from flowering so that it puts more energy into producing good quality roots[2]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1].
References
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202