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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Achyranthes aspera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) 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
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Seed
Edible Uses:
Leaves - cooked[144, 177]. Used as a spinach substitute[179]. Seed - cooked[144, 177]. The seeds are said to be eaten with milk in order to check hunger without loss of body weight[272]. The brown oviod seed is about 2mm long[266].
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.
Antispasmodic Astringent Cholera Diuretic Dysentery Odontalgic
One of the more important mdicinal herbs of Nepal, it is widely used in the treatment of a range of complaints. Ophthalmic[152]. The whole plant is used medicinally, but the roots are generally considered to be more effective[283]. They contain triterpenoid saponins[283]. The root is astringent, diuretic and antispasmodic[152, 178, 272]. It is used in the treatment of dropsy, rheumatism, stomach problems, cholera, skin diseases and rabies[152, 272]. The juice extracted from the root of this plant, mixed with the root of Urena lobata and the bark of Psidium guajava, is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[272]. The plant is astringent, digestive, diuretic, laxative, purgative and stomachic[272]. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of boils, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids, rheumatic pains, itches and skin eruptions[272]. The ash from the burnt plant, often mixed with mustard oil and a pinch of salt, is used as a tooth powder for cleaning teeth[272]. It is believed to relieve pyorrhea and toothache[272]. The leaf is emetic and a decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[272]. A paste of the leaves is applied in the treatment of rabies, nervous disorders, hysteria, insect and snake bites[272].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Soap Teeth
The ash from the burnt plant, often mixed with mustard oil and a pinch of salt, is used as a tooth powder for cleaning teeth[272]. The dried twigs are used as toothbrushes[272]. The ash of the burnt plant is a rich source of potash. It is used for washing clothes[272].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Cultivated as a food crop in China[179]. A very variable species[266]. See also [240] and [50].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, China (Zhejiang Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guizhou Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hainan Sheng), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia NORTHERN AMERICA: Mexico (Chiapas, Quintana Roo) SOUTHERN AMERICA: Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Bolivia (tropical & subtropical), Colombia, Ecuador, Peru AUSTRALASIA: Australia (New South Wales (east), Queensland (n., e., & c.), Western Australia (n. & w.), Northern Territory) EUROPE: Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Spain AFRICA: Algeria (tropical & subtropical), Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Côte D‘Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone
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 :
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.
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Author
L.
Botanical References
50265266
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