Some less frequently seen crucifers...

[cohan]

I've for some time wanted to grow one of the mega-brassicas, Megacarpaea polyandra, one of the most commonly wild gathered food plants in the Himalaya region. I had seed from one of the seed exchanges a couple of years ago and one plant has survived, but I haven't planted it in the open garden yet. I saw it on my visit to the Gøteborg botanics growing in a woodland setting (see below). I also have two plants of Megacarpaea delavayi and seed of another species from Kazakhstan which haven't germinated yet. Anyone have experience with these or can advise on their requirements?
The second picture is of a Megacarpaea giganteum (a bit out of place in the Wendelbo bulb garden).

interesting--what part is edible, leaves?

[stephenb]

Yes, young leaves/shoots, sometimes also the root.

[cohan]

I would have tried the seed outdoors over the winter - but maybe you have

Can anybody help with this unknown crucifer? (Difficult to take pictures today in rain and wind!)

HUGUENINIA   tanacetifolia? came across it on  a garden listing... looking at pictures (google, but not enlarged, my downfall) and couldn't figure out how it was different from Tanacetum--until I finally saw a mention that it was Brassicaceae...

[Hoy]

I would have tried the seed outdoors over the winter - but maybe you have

Can anybody help with this unknown crucifer? (Difficult to take pictures today in rain and wind!)

HUGUENINIA   tanacetifolia? came across it on  a garden listing... looking at pictures (google, but not enlarged, my downfall) and couldn't figure out how it was different from Tanacetum--until I finally saw a mention that it was Brassicaceae...

I think you nailed it, Cohan! Thanks.

[cohan]

Is it in your garden? Is it a desirable plant to grow?

[Hoy]

Is it in your garden? Is it a desirable plant to grow?

Yes, it is growing in my garden and I vaguely remember I bought a small plant many years ago. I think it is worth growing

[cohan]

Good to know.. It was on a garden list I was supposed to give some choices for possible seed from, and not a lot of info on this.... not that I had any problem finding way too many choices anyway...lol

[Lori S.]

Here's a good one...
I got the seed as "Didymophysa vesicaria" but it was later identified at the SRGC forum as (probably) Braya linearis:


After blooming this year (it bloomed last year, as well), the plant has dried up like a little tumbleweed... I'm hoping the seeds it shed will grow next spring!

[Kelaidis]

Wonderful plant, Lori! Prettiest Braya in the world if you are right (they can be pretty homely)...

Your garden must be out of this world. You need to do an article for NARGS on it. Stephanie's article knocked the socks off everyone...but you seem to have even more plants than she does!

[Lori S.]

Stephanie's article knocked the socks off everyone...but you seem to have even more plants than she does!

Oooh, thank you very much for the compliment, Panayoti....  but you have no idea how inaccurate that statement is!!    If anyone from Calgary is reading this (or anyone who has visited Stephanie and Dave's garden), they know what I mean!  Nobody has more plants than Stephanie!  Her garden is an absolute wonder and truly world class!

Edit:  Here, by the way, is the photo of Braya linearis that was cited by the kind person who tentatively ID'd it over at SRGC, and also a description:
http://photos.v-d-brink.eu/Flora-and-Fauna/Asia/nieuwChina-Yunnan/11384370_LbrRtv/1/800717065_c2oP8#800717065_c2oP8
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250095027