Korean minari flamingo

Korean minari flamingo

Scientific Name:
Oenanthe javanica

Family:
Apiaceae

Varieties:

• Default (ID: 65)

Introduction

Oenanthe javanica, commonly known as Java water dropwort, water celery, or Korean minari, is a perennial herb belonging to the family Apiaceae. It is native to East Asia and parts of Australia, with a widespread distribution across temperate and tropical Asia. Unlike many other species in the genus Oenanthe, which are toxic, Oenanthe javanica is edible and has been cultivated for culinary purposes in several countries, including China, India, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Oenanthe javanica grows up to 1 meter in height, with fibrous roots and hollow stems. The leaves are aromatic and divided into lobes. The ‘Flamingo’ variety features colorful pink edges on its leaves.
• Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in moist environments, such as along streams and pond edges. It prefers full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety, and requires consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Ideal temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night.
• Lifecycle: Oenanthe javanica is a perennial that reproduces both sexually and vegetatively. It can spread quickly through vegetative fragmentation, where broken plant parts disperse via water currents and take root downstream.

Why is this crop useful for space?

While there is no specific mention of Oenanthe javanica being cultivated in space, its characteristics make it a potential candidate for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) in space missions: - Edibility and Nutrition: As an edible plant, it could provide a source of fresh vegetables in space, enhancing dietary variety and nutritional intake. - Adaptability: Its ability to grow in a variety of conditions, including wet environments, might be advantageous in hydroponic or aeroponic systems used in space. - Low Maintenance: The plant’s moderate maintenance requirements and resistance to certain environmental stresses could make it suitable for automated cultivation systems.

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)

There is no documented history of Oenanthe javanica being cultivated in space. However, its adaptability and edibility suggest potential for future consideration in space agriculture projects aimed at providing sustainable food sources for long-duration missions.