Kosteletzkya pentacarpos

Physical Characteristics

Kosteletzkya pentacarpos is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - Italy to the Caspian sea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Oil Root Edible Uses: Egg Oil Tea Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 100]. They are used as a potherb or to thicken soups[62, 183]. The leaves can be eaten raw but are rather fibrous and somewhat hairy, though the taste is pleasant[K]. Flowers - raw. Added to salads[61]. The following uses are recorded for Althaea officinalis, they are said to also apply to this species[61]:- Root - raw or cooked[61]. When boiled and then fried with onions it is said to make a palatable dish that is often used in times of shortage[4]. The root is used as a vegetable[62, 141, 183], it is also dried then ground into a powder, made into a paste and roasted to make the sweet 'marshmallow'[4, 5, 7, 17, 61]. The water left over from cooking any part of the plant can be used as an egg-white substitute in making meringues etc[62]. The water from the root is the most effective[183], it is concentrated by boiling until it has a similar consistency to egg white. A tea is made from the flowers[183]. A tea can also be made from the root[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known