Caltha sinogracilis

Caltha sinogracilis is a low-growing perennial in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is native to China South-Central, East Himalaya, and Tibet, where it occupies wet habitats. This is a plant of consistently damp or waterlogged ground rather than dry sites, a preference reflected in its water requirement of wet to water conditions and its lack of drought resistance. It reaches only about 0.1 meters, roughly 10 centimeters, giving it a compact, ground-hugging stature suited to small spaces. The species accepts a range of light, from full sun to partial sun and shade, and grows in light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. In cultivation the decisive factor is moisture: soil should stay reliably wet, and the plant is a natural fit for boggy ground and other damp corners that suit few other plants. It is a perennial, returning year after year, and it can be propagated by division or by sowing seed. It is regarded as hardy in temperate regions. The leaves are the useful part and are edible, taken either fresh or cooked. They are commonly prepared in stir-fries or soups, where they contribute a mild flavor. The growing information lists no other utility, and no medicinal use is recorded for this species. As with any wild or unfamiliar edible, the leaves should be identified with certainty before they are used in cooking.