CAUTLEYA spicata is part of the ginger family. This herbaceous plant copes perfectly with the climate of our region. In the category original plants, it really has its place. For starters, its sword-shaped foliage is very decorative. Then, its yellow/orange flowering is spectacular. Finally, its tropical look brings an exotic effect to the garden.
How to grow CAUTLEYA spicata
Firstly, this perennial likes a shady and moist area. Secondly, it resists to temperatures down to -20 °C. Thirdly, it accepts all pH levels. Find a place with normal or light soil. Given its ease of cultivation, the CAUTLEYA spicata targets beginners and experienced gardeners.
History and origin
The natural habitat of this very decorative plant extends from the Himalayan region to Yunnan in China.
James Edward Smith (English botanist and founder of the Linnean Society) described this plant first in 1822 as ROSCOEA spicata. In 1888, Joseph Dalton Hooker (English botanist) gave it its own genus CAUTLEYA (Botanical Magazine, 114, table 6991). Indeed, the genus is named after Proby Cautley (English engineer and paleontologist). However, the species “spicata” means pointed, probably because of the spikes or the leaves.
Three synonyms exist: ROSCOEA spicata, CAUTLEYA petiolata and CAUTLEYA robusta.
Then, you should know that botanists accept until now only two species of this genus: CAUTLEYA gracilis and CAUTLEYA spicata. The first develops flowers of a much lighter yellow and its foliage is less dense.
Finally, the marrow of the shoots is used as a vegetable. The juice of the rhizomes is used in the treatment of stomach problems.
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