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Glycyrrhiza glabra Liquorice (1 Page of 5) The Glycyrrhiza glabra plant species is found in Europe - Mediterranean. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Liquorice. Some home gardeners know the variety as G. glandulifera. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra Common Name: Liquorice Family: Leguminosae Author: L. Known Hazards: A gross overdose of the root can cause oedema, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure[9, 65]. Mature Height: 1.2 Mature Width: 1 Habitat: Dry open places[50], especially in sandy places near the sea[132].
Cultivation Notes: Requires a deep well cultivated fertile moisture-retentive soil for good root production[200]. Prefers a sandy soil with abundant moisture and does not flourish in clay[4]. Slightly alkaline conditions produce the best plants[238]. The plant thrives in a maritime climate[7].
Plants are hardy to about -15°c[200].
Liquorice is often cultivated for its edible root which is widely used in medicine and as a flavouring. There are some named varieties[183]. The ssp glandulifera grows in Russia and produces adventitious roots up to 10 cm thick[142]. Yields of 10 - 12 tonnes per hectare were considered good in the early 20th century, this only being attained in the fourth year of growth[4]. Unless seed is required, the plant is usually prevented from flowering so that it puts more energy into producing good quality roots[238].
The bruised root has a characteristic sweet pungent smell[245].
Plants are slow to settle in and do not produce much growth in their first two years after being moved[4]. The young growth is also very susceptible to damage by slugs and so the plant will require some protection for its first few years[K].
A fairly deep-rooting plant, the roots are up to 120cm long[4]. It can be difficult to eradicate once it is established[238].
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].
For further Glycyrrhiza glabra gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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