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Podophyll plant
Podophyllum is considered a perennial plant that is grown both as an ornamental and as a medicinal plant. Differs in its unpretentious care. Does not require an illuminated location, however, in the shade does not form ovaries of flowers and fruits. The shrub has several types – thyroid and Himalayan.
Description of the thyroid podophyllum
The plant has long, thick roots, which are located mainly in the upper soil layer. A moist, loose soil rich in fertilizers is acceptable for a plant. The stems of the shrub are solitary, reaching 25-40 cm in height, ending in leaves that look like a palm tree.
Podophyllum resembles miniature palms that cover the ground
The leaves are about 25-30 cm long. In the middle or at the end of May, flowers appear, reaching no more than 5 cm in diameter, white.
The bush spreads along the ground, gradually capturing new space
Flowering can last more than 2 weeks, after which fruits begin to form, large berries, green-yellow in color, with a pleasant sweet and sour taste.
Jam or jams are made from the berries of the thyroid bush. Plant rhizomes can be harvested for medicinal purposes.
The bush is dug up, the roots are cut off, washed, and then left to dry in a cool, ventilated room.
Description of the Himalayan plant
The berries of the Himalayan shrub are inedible, and the plant itself is planted only for decorative purposes. It has the same roots as the thyroid podophila, but does not spread along the ground, but grows in a compact bush.
Flower ovaries appear in May, later fruits appear, dark red in color. The fruit has an unpleasant odor and is used in medicine only as a laxative.
Reproduction and planting of shrubs
For reproduction of the plant, rhizomes with several buds are required. A shallow hole is dug, rhizomes are laid, and sprinkled with earth. In the first 2 years, the plant needs frequent weeding and fertilization. Mineral complex fertilizers are suitable for the shrub. Podophyllum can be propagated using seeds. Several ripe seeds are dropped into the ground, covered with a glass jar until the first leaves. The plant is not frost-resistant, for winter it is covered with agrofibre.
In one place the plant lives for about 9-13 years, decorating the darkest parts of the garden with its flowering. In the photo, the podophyll grows in a lush carpet.