Lepidium apetalum

Physical Characteristics

Lepidium apetalum is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from April to August, and the seeds ripen from May to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe to E. Asia - China and Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[105, 177]. A hot cress-like flavour.

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antibacterial Antitussive Cardiotonic Diuretic Expectorant Purgative The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, diuretic and purgative[176, 218]. The seed is also cardiotonic[176, 218]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of asthma, coughs, nausea, oedema and pleurisy[176, 218]. The root is decocted with other herbs and used as an expectorant[218]. The plant contains antibacterial substances[218].

Known Hazards

None known