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Common Name:

General Information

Sparganium longifolium is a Perennial
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. This species does not appear in the first draft of the Flora of China[] and so it needs further investigation[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
A plant of wet ground, it should be grown in a bog garden or in shallow water up to 30cm deep[]. Requires a rich soil[]. Tolerates some shade[].

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked. It should be husked and well boiled[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a pot in the greenhouse. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and gradually increase the depth of water as the plants grow until it is about level with the tops of the pots[]. Plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently, otherwise plant them out in the following spring.
Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.