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Common Name: Whorlflower

General Information

Morina longifolia is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas - Kashmir to Bhutan.

Habitat

Open slopes and alpine shrubberies, 3000 - 4000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Moths, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a fertile, humus-rich, moisture retentive but well-drained sandy or gritty soil in a sunny position[, , ]. It grows best with a little shade and shelter from high winds[]. Prefers a slightly acid soil[].
A very ornamental plant[], the leaves are spicily aromatic[]. A fairly easy plant to grow, though it tends to be short-lived[]. It is hardy to about -17°c when growing in a perfectly drained soil[, ]. It grows best in the western side of Britain, sometimes succumbing to cold in the south-east of the country[].
Requires protection from slugs[].
The flowers open in the evening and are pollinated by moths. If pollination does not take place by morning then the top of the pistil curves over and effects self-pollination[].
Resents root disturbance[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The stem, leaves and flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have a sweet and astringent taste with a heating potency[]. They are digestive, emetic and stomachic, and are used in the treatment of stomach disorders such as indigestion giving rise to vomiting and nausea[].

Other Uses

The plant is used as an incense[, , ]. The roots yield 0.34% essential oil[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in individual pots to minimize disturbance to the tap root. Overwinter in a well ventilated cold frame[]. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame[]. Plant out into their permanent positions in the summer when the plants are at least 15cm tall.
Division in spring is possible but very difficult. Divided plants are often extremely slow to re-establish[]. It is best carried out immediately after the plant flowers[].
Root cuttings in individual pots in late autumn. Plants are quick to produce foliage but slow to form roots. They are best left in pots for 12 months before planting out[].