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Pinellia - Schott.

Common Name Hu Zhang
Family Araceae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards Although we have no record of toxicity for this species, all parts of the plant probably contain calcium oxylate. This is toxic and if consumed makes the mouth and digestive tract feel as though hundreds of needles are being stuck into it[K]. However, calcium oxylate is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant[172].
Habitats Forests, in valleys or shady places below elevations of 1000 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - N. and W. China
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Pinellia Hu Zhang


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Enzo%5E
Pinellia Hu Zhang
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Enzo%5E

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Pinellia is a CORM growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. 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

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.


The poisonous tubers are used as a medicine for the treatment of enlargement of the lymph node and urinary tract infections[266]. The following notes for P. ternata almost certainly also apply to this species[218]. The root is antiemetic, antiphlogistic, expectorant, febrifuge, sialagogue, styptic. Strengthens the spleen[147, 174, 176, 178]. Modern research has shown that this remedy is very effective in controlling nausea and vomiting[238]. It is also an ingredient of a Chinese prescription for removing gallstones without surgery, a process that usually causes severe nausea[238]. The root is also used internally in the treatment of coughs with thin watery phlegm and gastritis[238]. The fresh root is extremely acrid and contains toxins, these are neutralized upon drying or by soaking in tea or vinegar[238]. The root is harvested in the summer and dried for later use, it should not be used fresh[174, 238]. Extracts of the plant have been shown to have analgesic, antiemetic, anticancer and sedative activity[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a rich soil, it requires plenty of water in the growing season[1]. Succeeds in full sun or partial shade[188]. Plants can be naturalized in woodland[1]. Plants produce bulbils in their leaf axils[188].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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

Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - we have no information but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible otherwise in early spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division as new growth begins in spring. Bulbils from the leaf axils.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng (northeast), Zhejiang Sheng)

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
Pinellia pedatisectaHu ZhangCorm0.2 5-9  LMHSNM02 
Pinellia ternataBan Xia, CrowdipperCorm0.2 5-9  LMHSNM13 
Pinellia tripartita Corm0.5 5-9  LMHSNM01 

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

Schott.

Botanical References

200266

Links / References

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Subject : Pinellia  
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