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Corydalis cava - (L.)Schweigg.&Körte.

Common Name
Family Papaveraceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses[222].
Habitats Shady forests, rarely amongst shrubs[74].
Range E. Europe. A rare garden escape in Britain[17].
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade
Corydalis cava


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corydalis_cava_Sturm42.jpg
Corydalis cava
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:BerndH

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Corydalis cava is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf from March to June, in flower from February to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. bulbosa. (L.)DC.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Analgesic  Antianxiety  Antidepressant  Antiseptic  Antispasmodic  Antitussive  Cancer  Cardiotonic  
Hallucinogenic  Hypotensive  Sedative

The tuber is antispasmodic, hallucinogenic and also slows the pulse[9]. It is harvested in the spring before the plant comes into flower and dried for later use[9]. The plant should only be used under the guidance of a trained herbalist, it is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neurological disorders[9]. One report says that the plant is cultivated for its medicinal uses in Sweden, but gives no more details[175]. The following reports are for C. yanhusuo which, according to one authority, is the correct name for this species[218]. It is treated as a separate species here[K]. The tuber is analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative[176]. The root has traditionally been used to lower pain and strengthen the circulation[218]. It also has sedative properties and is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments[218]. Various extracts from the plant have shown antitussive, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer activity[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade[1]. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed. There is at least one named variety, selected for its ornamental value[200]. There is some possible confusion over the name of this species. 'Flora Europaea' says that it is a synonym of C. bulbosa[50] but the RHS 'Dictionary of Gardening' gives C. bulbosa as a synonym of this species[200]. In another report this species is said to be no more than a synonym for C. yanhusuo[218]. Closely related to C. solida[200], differing mainly in its solid tubers, rather than hollow as in C. solida[238]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry[129]. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[164]. Germinates in spring according to another report[129]. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed[134, 164]. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply liquid feed at intervals during their growing season to ensure they are well fed. The seedlings only produce one leaf in their first year of growth[175] and are very prone to damping off[129]. Divide the seedlings into individual pots once they have become dormant and grow them on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. Division after flowering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Corydalis ambigua Perennial0.2 5-9  LMSM13 
Corydalis aureaScrambled EggsAnnual/Biennial0.5 5-9  LMSM02 
Corydalis edulis Perennial0.0 -  LMSM10 
Corydalis falconeri Perennial0.0 -  LMSM001
Corydalis govaniana Perennial0.0 -  LMSNM02 
Corydalis incisaIncised fumewortAnnual/Biennial0.3 6-10  LMSM110
Corydalis intermedia Perennial0.2 -  LMSM01 
Corydalis juncea Perennial0.0 -  LMSNM10 
Corydalis ochotensis Biennial1.0 -  LMSNM10 
Corydalis pallida Biennial0.3 -  LMSNM10 
Corydalis solidaFumewort, Spring fumewortPerennial0.2 5-9  LMSM13 
Corydalis ternataThree-Leaf CorydalisPerennial0.2 -  LMSNM02 
Corydalis vaginans Annual/Biennial0.0 4-8  LMSNM01 
Corydalis yanhusuoYan Hu SuoPerennial0.0 -  LMSNM03 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(L.)Schweigg.&Körte.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Paula Repo   Sat Aug 16 2008

You can find good photos on 1200 plants including corydalis cava (http://www.topwalks.net/plants/pink/corydalis_cava_more.htm) on the Topwalks website (http://www.topwalks.net/plants/index.htm)

Topwalks - Plants of Spain

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