Datisca cannabina
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Datisca cannabina

Akalbir · False hemp

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 5–9
Click count
99
Observations
71

Description

Source: leafsnap

Datisca cannabina, called false hemp, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Datisca, family Datiscaceae, native to the Aegean Islands, Crete, Cyprus, Anatolia, the Levant, the Transcaucasus, Iraq, Iran, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the western Himalayas and Nepal. It is one of the very few species known to have true androdioecy, meaning it has a mix of male and hermaphroditic individuals. Local artisans use its roots to produce a fast yellow dye.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Akalbir thrives in moist, well-drained soil and requires weekly watering to prevent waterlogging. As an herbaceous perennial, it grows well outdoors, making the most of natural rainfall that matches its growth cycles and helps maintain optimal hydration throughout the season.

☀️ Light Full sun

Akalbir is a sun-loving herbaceous perennial that originates in open habitats and commonly grows in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Akalbir can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be constrained by different combinations of water and heat. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended stretches of cloudy, rainy weather or prolonged high temperatures can raise the chance of Akalbir dying. In winter, proper protection from cold can increase the plant’s survival.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

Applying fertilizer just once in spring is generally enough for Akalbir, though several feedings can boost growth. Apply fertilizer about every month to a month and a half. Fertilizing improves the leaves' appearance and function, encouraging even color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake for the plant's long-term health.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Akalbir flourishes when pruned correctly, preferably from early to late spring. To encourage healthy growth and optimize blooming, remove any dead or weak stems. Additionally, prune back one-third of the older stems to improve air circulation and light penetration.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Datisca
Family
Datiscaceae
Hardiness Zone
5-9
Mature Height
2.44 m
Mature Spread
91 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkey, India, Cyprus, Armenia, Pakistan, Greece, Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Iran, Azerbaijan

Tags (5)

Common Names (2)

en Akalbir
en False hemp