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Common Name:

General Information

Cardamine violacea is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from India to Bhutan and Nepal.

Habitat

Moist places in forested areas at elevations of 2500 - 3600 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not dry[]. Prefers a moist humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[].

Edible Uses

Tender young shoots and leaves - cooked as a vegetable[].

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.