Glycyrrhiza malensis
Glycyrrhiza malensis
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Pl. 7FD9 — Glycyrrhiza malensis
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IOverview
Overview
Glycyrrhiza malensis, commonly known as licorice root, is a perennial subshrub or herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, and parts of China and Russia. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions. Known for its edible roots, which are harvested for culinary use, this species is also valued for its ornamental qualities, adding a distinctive touch to gardens. One of its notable features is the light texture and airy habit that sets it apart in landscapes and herb collections.
Quick answers
What is Glycyrrhiza malensis?
Glycyrrhiza malensis, commonly known as licorice root, is a perennial subshrub or herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, and parts of China and Russia. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 6.
What is Glycyrrhiza malensis used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Glycyrrhiza malensis
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Glycyrrhiza malensis appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Licorice root has been traditionally used in European and Chinese medicine to support digestive health, particularly for soothing the stomach when taken as a decoction.
Glycyrrhizin and other compounds in licorice have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe gastric irritation. However, the exact mechanism is not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Glycyrrhiza malensis support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Glycyrrhiza malensis thrives in light to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy) or medium-textured. This perennial subshrub or herb is hardy in temperate regions and should be grown for its edible root. Propagate via seed or division. Maintain a soil pH between 6.5 and 7 for optimal growth.
Light
9/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Glycyrrhiza malensis for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Glycyrrhiza malensis in a well-prepared soil to ensure success.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of Glycyrrhiza malensis seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the soil is workable, or in late summer for cooler climates.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep, spaced 6-8 inches apart. For transplants, space them similarly and ensure they are well-watered.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Water gently to avoid disturbing the soil surface.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in late winter to encourage new growth, and harvest roots after 2-3 years of growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting soil preparation, not mulching, and harvesting too early.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Glycyrrhiza malensis is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is used raw or dried but can also be cooked. SKIP
Other uses:Dynamic accumulatorNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusGreeceItalyRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia11 regions
native (11)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanMongoliaPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTurkeyTurkmenistan
Broader regions
native:East Aegean Is., Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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