Amphicarpaea edgeworthii - Benth.

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

 
Amphicarpaea edgeworthii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs)It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed;  Seedpod.
Edible Uses:

Seed and seedpods - cooked[46, 61, 105, 177]. The seedpods are harvested when green and used for food[2].

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.



None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivation details

Agroforestry Services: Nitrogen;  Agroforestry Services: Understory legume;  Fodder: Pasture;  Management: Fodder;  Management: Standard;  Regional Crop;  Staple Crop: Protein.

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, we have followed the treatment given in 'Flora of Japan'[58], but A. japonica is the name cited in 'Legumes of Northern Eurasia'[261]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a moist humus-rich soil in a shady position[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in a semi-shaded position in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within a few weeks. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Division. We have been unable to divide this plant because it only makes a small taproot. However, many of the seeds are produced under the ground and these can be harvested like tubers and potted up to make more plants.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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 :

Expert comment

Author

Benth.

Botanical References

58

Links / References

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