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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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

Plant 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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Plant 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

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation (Primorye), China (Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Hong Kong, Korea, Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: India

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Polygala amara	Bitter Milkwort	Perennial	0.2	5-9	LMH	SN	M	0	1
Polygala reinii		Perennial	0.3	-	LMH	SN	M	0	1
Polygala senega	Senega Snake Root	Perennial	0.3	-	LMH	SN	DM	0	3
Polygala sibirica	Yuan Zhi	Perennial	0.2	-	LMH	SN	DM	1	3
Polygala tenuifolia	Yuan Zhi	Perennial	0.2	5-9	LMH	SN	M	1	3
Polygala theezans		Perennial	0.0	-	LMH	SN	M	1	0
Polygala vulgaris	Milkwort, Common milkwort	Perennial	0.4	5-9	LMH	SN	M	1	2
Securidaca longipedunculata	Violet Tree	Tree	6.0	10-12	LMH	SN	M	1	4	3

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.

Polygala japonica - Houtt.