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Achyranthes japonica - (Miq.)Nakai.

Common Name Japanese Chaff Flower
Family Amaranthaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woody areas in lowlands and hills[279].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Achyranthes japonica Japanese Chaff Flower


Kazuo Yamasaki http://home.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/shoyaku/PlantPhotos2002.htm
Achyranthes japonica Japanese Chaff Flower

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Achyranthes japonica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Abortifacient  Analgesic  Antiinflammatory  Antispasmodic  Contraceptive  Diuretic  Hypotensive  Uterine tonic


The root of the plant is used in Korea to treat oedema, rheumatism, delayed menses and as a contraceptive and abortifacient[279]. The root contains triterpenoid saponins and has been shown to have analgesic, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive and uterine stimulant properties[279]. In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid, which has antioxidant properties, and also inhibits the aggregation of platelets[279].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Two insect-moulting hormones are found in the seeds[279]. Can this have a practical application as an insecticide?

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by the plants native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a rich, sandy, slightly acid soil in partial shade[238].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow late spring in a greenhouse. Germination should be fairly rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle. It is probably wise to grow this plant on in the greenhouse for its first winter, planting it out into its permanent position in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Achyranthes asperaDevil's HorsewhipPerennial0.9 -  LMHSNM231
Achyranthes bidentataNiu XiPerennial0.8 7-10  LMSNM231
Achyranthes faureri Perennial0.9 -  LMSNM111

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Miq.)Nakai.

Botanical References

266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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