Aletris spicata
Aletris spicata
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Pl. 72BE — Aletris spicata
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IOverview
Overview
Aletris spicata, commonly known as Malayan colt's foot, is a perennial plant native to regions including Malaya, China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, and the Philippines. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil, reaching a height of about 0.3 meters. It prefers full sun exposure and is known for its edible leaves, making it a valuable addition to certain culinary practices. One distinctive feature of Aletris spicata is its ability to grow in diverse environments, contributing to its widespread distribution across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Aletris spicata?
Aletris spicata, commonly known as Malayan colt's foot, is a perennial plant native to regions including Malaya, China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Nansei-shoto, and the Philippines. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light soil, reaching a height of about 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Aletris spicata thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. This perennial grows to about 0.3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For propagation, divide the plant's rhizomes in spring or fall. Harvest its edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Aletris spicata for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Aletris spicata in a sunny, moist spot for a simple gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A few Aletris spicata bulbs or seeds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is cool and moist.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining, light soil. Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 5-10 cm deep and 15 cm apart. For seeds, sow them shallowly in the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during this period to help establish roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Mulch around plants for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter to maintain plant health, but do not harvest edible parts as they are not commonly used.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to mulch.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Aletris spicata are edible and can be consumed fresh or cooked. They are often prepared in stir-fries or soups to add a mild flavor to dishes. Skip the raw consumption as cooking enhances their taste and texture.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 8 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native· 8 introduced
Asia10 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanPhilippinesSouth KoreaTaiwan
introduced (5)ChinaJapanPhilippinesSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Malaya, Nansei-shoto
introduced:Nansei-shoto
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 72bed766-0a52-4787-b58d-029199cf6b9b
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