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Common Name:

General Information

Cardamine nipponica is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.10 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Japan[].

Habitat

Alpine slopes in central and northern Japan[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[] but succeeds in most soils that are not dry[].

Edible Uses

One report says that the plant is edible but gives no more details[]. It is probably the leaves that are referred to, though it could also be the root[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 15°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for the first two years, planting them out when dormant in late summer.
Division in early spring or after the plant dies down in the summer. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.