Papalo, Papaloquelite
Porophyllum ruderale subsp. macrocephalum
| Family: | Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Porophyllum (por-oh-FIL-um) (Info) |
| Species: | ruderale subsp. macrocephalum |
Category:
Annuals
Herbs
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Shiny/Glossy
Foliage Color:
Blue-Green
Height:
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness:
Not Applicable
Where to Grow:
Can be grown as an annual
Danger:
N/A
Bloom Color:
Brown/Bronze
White/Near White
Cream/Tan
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Davis, California
Los Angeles, California
Sebastopol, California
Fort White, Florida
Green Cove Springs, Florida
Hawthorne, Florida
Lake City, Florida
Melbourne, Florida
Sebastian, Florida
Savannah, Georgia
Ithaca, New York
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Austin, Texas
Logan, Utah
Gainesville, Virginia
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Jul 20, 2016, AmyMorie from Green Cove Springs, FL (Zone 9a) wrote: I love the flavor - like a cilantro with a lemon twist - and the flavor effect it has on a pot of pintos! |
| Positive | On Jun 18, 2015, lokidog from Logan, UT wrote: I like this plant, though the aroma can sort of become overwhelming. I can't really describe the taste or aroma - it's papalo (it does have some citrus notes - and perhaps floral ones too - and a sort of refreshing aroma?) I have to sort of rant THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSELY RELATED TO CILANTRO. Every plant used as seasoning (in tropical climes) that is unfamiliar is compared to cilantro - and I'm just sick of it. I don't find any similarity in taste or look to cilantro in this plant. The ONLY similarity is it's use. Anyway its quite easy to grow - though the seeds are not that viable (or are variable in germination times) - but they transplant very easily. |
| Positive | On Feb 15, 2009, gooley from Hawthorne, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: I got few seeds to germinate, but maybe it needs higher temperatures and more time than I allowed (as an earlier note confirms). Tough, grows fairly quickly, can get leggy and blow over. I prefer the taste and smell to those of cilantro (not fond of that). Seed is very much in the Compositae style, reminding me a bit of dandelion or marigold. Definitely a plant to grow regularly, at least for me. |
| Positive | On Aug 25, 2008, kkane from Davis, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: Easy to grow in Sacramento Valley (CA). Luscious. Addicting. Just try a few times and you are hooked. Full son, not picky about water. Grows to ~4’ here, flowers Sept/Oct. Germinates in June. Produces many seeds, which produce volunteers. Seed viability declines rapidly after a year or so. Brush the plant as you walk through the garden…brings smiles. My seed comes from my son, given to him by “Tall Man” when son was hitch-hiking to S. Baja. Favorite exotic herb. Thus, “Tall Man Papalo.” |
| Positive | On Sep 22, 2007, bmuller from Albuquerque, NM (Zone 7a) wrote: I love the flavor of this plant--much more complex and exciting than cilantro, which is probably the closest familiar plant. I haven't had outstanding luck in getting the plant to really flourish in my climate, but I've enjoyed watching its growth and using its leaves, nevertheless. Apparently, it's supposed to develop some fairly impressive flowers, but I don't think mine will reach that point before frost! |
| Neutral | On Mar 7, 2007, berrygirl from Braselton, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: This 3' annual is an ancient Mexican herb with unusual piquant green leaves. Sometimes is referred to as "cilantro on steroids". Has a complex nice flavor. In restaurants, papalo is put out in bowls and left on tables for diners to add to their food. Unlike cilantro this herb retains its flavor after it is dried. Good in soups, salads, tacos, beans, meats, etc... |
