Acalbir, Akalbir

Datisca cannabina

Physical Characteristics

Datisca cannabina is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. Europe (Crete), to W. Asia.

Habitats

Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Bitter Diuretic Febrifuge Odontalgic Purgative Sedative The leaves and flowering stems are bitter, diuretic, febrifuge and purgative[145, 240]. The root is used as a sedative in the treatment of rheumatism[240]. It is also applied to carious teeth[240].

Known Hazards

None known