Fedia cornucopiae

A pretty annual that is seldom seen in the herb garden. It is a low growing and informal plant that has long fleshy stems that carry fleshy oblong leaves that are perfoliate (they are clasped round the stem of the plant). The clusters of flowers are tiny but delightful. Little bright pink-purple blooms are held in small clusters and come from rich brown calyces. They can serve as ornamentals in their own right. The leaves are edible and have a bitter taste that, used sparingly, enlivens a salad of mixed leaves. Give this sunshine or part-shade, plenty of moisture and a warm position. It is best to sow the seeds at intervals throughout summer as it is the young leaves that are tastiest.