Pinellia ternata Seeds | Pinellia
LATIN NAME: Pinellia ternata
COMMON NAME: Pinellia
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Pinellia (Pinellia ternata) is a hardy, perennial in the arum family. Pinellia sheathes small, green spathes around slender spadices, broad, arrow-shaped leaves around them, and the whole plant carries the fine, curious look of the shaded woodland floor. It is a plant of shaded, deep, rich, moist, well-drained ground. The flowering period doubles as a feeding season for bees and other pollinators. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Pinellia ternata sits in the arum family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Pinellia for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Pinellia is a curious, useful plant of shaded woodland floor and study collection. It is a curious, useful plant of shaded, deep, rich, moist, well-drained garden. Pinellia seeds like a leafy, gritty mix in a shaded, cool spot with steady moisture. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
Pinellia tuber, Ban Xia, is a cornerstone Chinese herb for phlegm and nausea, but only after processing, since the raw tuber burns and numbs severely; its processed form is a professional herb of the first rank.
Growing from Seed
Raising Pinellia from seed is straightforward. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Once established, Pinellia largely looks after itself. Sun, free drainage and a patient first year are all it really requires.
Related Reading
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