Lepidium iberis

Physical Characteristics

Lepidium iberis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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

S. Europe to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked. A hot cress-like flavour.

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Rubefacient The plant is rubefacient. It is applied externally in the treatment of rheumatism[240]. The seeds are used in the treatment of dropsy[240]. The seeds of the sub-species L. iberis alba are used in Indian medicine[240]. No more details are given.

Known Hazards

None known