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Podophyllum versipelle - Hance.

Common Name
Family Podophyllaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards We have seen no reports of toxicity for this species but all parts of the plant, except the fully ripe fruit, are almost certainly poisonous[K].
Habitats Woodland areas on mountains.
Range E. Asia - China, Tibet.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full shade Semi-shade
Podophyllum versipelle


Podophyllum versipelle

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Podophyllum versipelle is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

We have no reports for this species but the fruit of several members of this genus is edible when fully ripe, though the unripe fruit is cathartic[K]. More research is required[K].

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.
Cancer  Cholagogue  Cytostatic  Purgative

The following report is for P. hexandrum. It quite possibly also applies to this species[K]. The whole plant, but especially the root, is cholagogue, cytostatic and purgative. The plant contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells). It is, therefore, a possible treatment for cancer, and has been used especially in the treatment of ovarian cancer[46, 51, 57, 64, 65, 124, 244]. However, alopecia is said to be a common side-effect of this treatment[244]. This species contains about twice the quantity of active ingredient than P. peltatum[211]. The roots contain several important anti-cancer lignans, including podophyllin and berberine[218]. The roots are also antirheumatic[218]. The root is harvested in the autumn and either dried for later use or the resin is extracted[238]. This plant is highly poisonous and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moist peaty soil and filtered light or shade[4, 111]. Grows well in a moist open woodland[28, 31] and also succeeding under beech trees in a deep moist leafy soil[130]. Dormant plants are fairly hardy, but the young leaves in spring are frost tender[233]. Plants in this genus have excited quite a lot of interest for the compounds found in their roots which have been shown to have anti-cancer activity[124]. There are various research projects under way (as of 1990)[124]. This species is closely related to P. pleianthum[200]. The plant takes some years to become established[124] but is very long lived in a suitable habitat[130].

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 cold frame. Sow stored seed in a cold frame in early spring. The seed germinates in 1 - 4 months at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least 2 growing seasons. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the winter when the plants are dormant. Division in March/April[111].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Sichuan 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 :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Podophyllum aurantiocaule Perennial0.3 6-9  LMFSM22 
Podophyllum hexandrumHimalayan May ApplePerennial0.5 5-9  LMFSM241
Podophyllum peltatumAmerican Mandrake, Mayapple, Ground Lemon, Mandrake, MayapplePerennial0.3 3-9 MLMFSM242
Podophyllum pleianthum Perennial0.3 -  LMFSM23 

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

Hance.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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Subject : Podophyllum versipelle  
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