Tulipa edulis

Physical Characteristics

Tulipa edulis is a BULB growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from March to April, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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

E. Asia - E. China, S. Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. By. South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Bulb - cooked[22, 105]. A source of starch[46, 61]. The bulb can be up to 4cm in diameter[266]. Leaves - cooked[46, 61, 105]. Unless you have more plants than you need this practise is not recommended since it will greatly weaken the plant[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Antipyretic Cancer Depurative Expectorant Febrifuge Laxative The inner portion of the bulb is antidote, antipyretic, depurative, expectorant, febrifuge and laxative[147, 218]. It is used, mainly as a poultice, in the treatment of ulcers and abscesses[147]. The plant has been used in the treatment of cancer[218]. The leaves are applied externally to abscesses, buboes and breast diseases[218]. The flowers are used in the treatment of dysuria[218].

Known Hazards

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, the bulbs and the flowers of at least one member of this genus have been known to cause dermatitis in sensitive people, though up to 5 bulbs a day of that species can be eaten without ill-effect[65].