Common Name: Acalbir

General Information

Datisca cannabina is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant producing a clump of unbranched, arching stems from a somewhat woody base; it can grow around 60 - 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and as a dyestuff. It was formerly sold in local markets in India for use as a dye and medicine[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eurasia - eastern Mediterranean (Cyprus), through Turkey the Caucasus and the Levant to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the central Himalayas

Habitat

Banks of streams in rich alluvial soils[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.80 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Datisca cannabina is not hardy in the colder areas of the temperate zone, it can tolerate short periods with temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
Requires a good deep soil and a sunny position[, ]. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[].
Give the roots protection from winter frosts by mulching them[].
At one time this plant was commonly cultivated as a dye plant[, ], but with the advent of chemical dyes it has fallen into virtual disuse.
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves and flowering stems are bitter, diuretic, febrifuge and purgative[, , ]. It is occasionally used in the treatmentof fevers and in gastric and scrofulous complaints[].

The root is used as a sedative in the treatment of rheumatism[]. The root is bruised and applied to the head as a poultice where it acts as a sedative[615,1503]. It is also applied to carious teeth[].

The plant (part notspecified) is used as an expectorant in the treatment of catarrh[].

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves, root and stems[, , ]. It is used to dye silk a delicate yellow colour, and is also combined with red colours to soften the tint, and with indigo to produce a favourite green[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse, only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 weeks at 18°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in the spring. Very easy, 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.
This plant is easily propagated by cuttings[].