Ixeris lanceolata
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Ixeris
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Fertility
- Insects
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
Uses
Edible uses
Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked[1].
- Plant part
- Leaves
- Plant part
- Stem
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan.
- Habitat
- Not known
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in spring and only just covering the seed. 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 can be tried in spring or autumn.
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, it is listed as I. lanceolata Chang. in [1] but this species is not found in the Flora of Japan[2]. However, this flora mentions I. lanceolata (Houtt.)Stebbins. which it says is a synonym for Crepidastrum lanceolatum (Houtt.)Nakai., a plant of rocky places near the sea in C. and S. Japan[2]. More research needs to be carried out. We suggest growing it in a sunny position and a well-drained soil.
References
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00