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Panax japonicus - (Nees.)C.A.Mey.

Common Name Japanese Ginseng
Family Araliaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards The root contains up to 5% saponins[174]. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans, and although they are fairly toxic to people they are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. Thorough cooking will also break them down. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Habitats Woods in mountains all over Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full shade Semi-shade
Panax japonicus Japanese Ginseng


Panax japonicus Japanese Ginseng

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Panax japonicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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 full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

P. pseudoginseng japonicus (C.A.Mey.)Hoo.&Tseng. P. repens. Max.

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The roots are used as a flavouring in teas and liqueurs[183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

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.
Expectorant  Febrifuge  Stomachic  Tonic

Expectorant, tonic[61, 174]. A decoction of the root is expectorant, febrifuge and stomachic[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Soap

The root contains up to 5% saponins and it might be possible to utilize them as a soap[K].

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 much of the country. This species has 24 chromosomes which makes it quite distinct from P. ginseng which has 44 chromosomes[174]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer. Division in spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, 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 :

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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

(Nees.)C.A.Mey.

Botanical References

58

Links / References

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

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