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Sophora tonkinensis - Gagnep.

Common Name
Family Fabaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards The plant contains cytisine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic[238].
Habitats Bush-wood of stony mountain slopes at elevations of 1000 - 2000 metres in Guangxi, Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces of China[266].
Range E. Asia - China.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Sophora tonkinensis


Sophora tonkinensis

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Sophora tonkinensis is a SHRUB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
It can fix Nitrogen.
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

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.
Analgesic  Antiinflammatory  Antipyretic  Antispasmodic  Cancer  Diuretic  Hypotensive  Urinary


The root is analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic and hypotensive[176]. A decoction of the dried roots is used in the treatment of a variety of ailments including cancer of the respiratory tract and urinary bladder, boils, constipation, coughs and sore throats[176, 218]. The plant contains a number of compounds that demonstrate anticancer activity[176, 218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

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. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[200]. It grows best in the warmer areas of the country where the wood will be more readily ripened and better able to withstand winter cold[219]. Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well[219]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[200]. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse[78]. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year. Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame[11]. Air-layering[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Yunnan Sheng) TROPICAL ASIA: Vietnam

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 :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Acacia sophoraeCoastal Wattle, AcaciaShrub0.0 0-0  LMHNDM203
Sophora davidiiSophoraShrub2.5 5-8 SLMHNDM100
Sophora flavescensKu Shen, Shrubby sophoraShrub1.5 5-9 SLMHNM032
Sophora japonicaJapanese Pagoda Tree, Scholar TreeTree20.0 4-9 FLMHNM232
Sophora mollis Shrub2.0 7-10  LMHNDM102
Sophora moorcroftiana Shrub1.2 0-0  LMHNM011
Sophora secundifloraMescal Bean, Texas Mountain LaurelTree10.0 7-10 SLMHNDM013
Sophora sericeaSilky SophoraPerennial0.3 0-0  LMHNDM300
Sophora tetrapteraKowhaiTree10.0 7-10 SLMHNM002

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

Gagnep.

Botanical References

266

Links / References

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

Readers comment

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Subject : Sophora tonkinensis  
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