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Polygala japonica - Houtt.

Common Name
Family Polygalaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.
Habitats Grassy slopes in lowland and hills all over Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Polygala japonica


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dalgial
Polygala japonica
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dalgial

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Polygala japonica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - cooked[105]. Root - cooked. The core is removed and the root is boiled in several changes of water[179].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Antiphlogistic  Antitussive  Carminative  Depurative  Expectorant  TB  Tonic

The dried root is used in the treatment of tuberculosis[218]. It is an expectorant tonic[218]. The plant is antiphlogistic, antitussive, carminative, depurative, expectorant and tonic[147, 218]. A decoction is used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, inadequate measles eruption, palpitation and insomnia, traumatic injuries and snakebites[147].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

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, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moderately fertile moisture-retentive well-drained soil, succeeding in full sun if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best in semi-shade[200]. Dislikes shade according to another report.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[214]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division. Cuttings of young shoots in a frame in late spring[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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
Polygala amaraBitter MilkwortPerennial0.2 5-9  LMHSNM01 
Polygala reinii Perennial0.3 -  LMHSNM01 
Polygala senegaSenega Snake RootPerennial0.3 -  LMHSNDM03 
Polygala sibiricaYuan ZhiPerennial0.2 -  LMHSNDM13 
Polygala tenuifoliaYuan ZhiPerennial0.2 5-9  LMHSNM13 
Polygala theezans Perennial0.0 -  LMHSNM10 
Polygala vulgarisMilkwort, Common milkwortPerennial0.4 5-9  LMHSNM12 
Securidaca longipedunculataViolet TreeTree6.0 10-12  LMHSNM143

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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Expert comment

Author

Houtt.

Botanical References

58

Links / References

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