Lepidium iberis
an annual member of the Lepidium genus in the family Brassicaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Genus
- Lepidium
- Life cycle
- annual
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour.
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The plant is rubefacient. It is applied externally in the treatment of rheumatism[1]. The seeds are used in the treatment of dropsy[1]. The seeds of the sub-species L. iberis alba are used in Indian medicine[1]. No more details are given.
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Rubefacient
Environment
- Range
- S. Europe to the Himalayas.
- Habitat
- Not known
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring in situ. Germination should take place within 3 weeks.
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, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils.
References
Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00