Rocket Candytuft, Annual candytuft

Iberis amara

Physical Characteristics

Iberis amara is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Western and southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment The seeds are sometimes used as a source of mustard[61, 177, 183]. Pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard[238].

Medicinal Uses

Antiarrhythmic Antiasthmatic Antirheumatic Antiscorbutic Homeopathy Little used in modern herbalism, rocket candytuft is a bitter-tasting tonic, aiding digestion and relieving wind and bloating[254]. It is traditionally taken to treat gout, rheumatism and arthritis[254]. All parts of the plant are antirheumatic and antiscorbutic[61]. The seeds are considered very useful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and dropsy[4, 240]. The plant is gathered in the summer and can be dried for later use[254]. The seeds are harvested when fully ripe[254]. A common homeopathic remedy is made from the seeds[4].

Known Hazards

None known