Single Delight

Moneses uniflora

Physical Characteristics

Moneses uniflora is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to Spain, N. Asia to Japan, N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit[2, 105, 155, 161, 257]. No more details are given. The fruit is a capsule about 8cm wide[200]. Seed - raw or cooked[172].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Miscellany Poultice An infusion of the dried plant has been used in the treatment of coughs and colds[257]. The plant has been chewed, and the juice swallowed, as a treatment for sore throat[257]. A poultice of the leaves has been used to draw out the pus from boils and abscesses, to draw blisters, to help reduce swellings and also to relieve pain[257].

Known Hazards

None known