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Polygala sibirica - L.

Common Name Yuan Zhi
Family Polygalaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.
Habitats Dry calcareous slopes in Ukraine[50]. Open slopes in the Himalayas from Pakistan to Tibet at 1600 - 3600 metres[51].
Range E. Europe to E. Asia.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Polygala sibirica Yuan Zhi


Polygala sibirica Yuan Zhi

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Polygala sibirica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 6in). 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root
Edible Uses:

Young leaves - cooked[2, 105, 177]. Root - cooked[2, 105, 177]. We have no more details on this species but the root of another member of this genus has its core removed before the root is cooked in several changes of water.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Analgesic  Diuretic  Expectorant  Haemolytic  Infertility  Kidney  Nervine  Sedative


The leaves are used in the treatment of spermatorrhoea[218]. They are ingested as a kidney tonic[218]. The roots are diuretic, expectorant, haemolytic and sedative[61, 176, 218]. Their use lowers the blood pressure[176]. They are used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, insomnia, infantile convulsions, amnesia, sexual impotency etc[61, 176, 218, 240]. The plant is also considered to be analgesic, diuretic, expectorant and nervine[61, 218].

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. It is a very variable plant[51]. 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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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 Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

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
Polygala amaraBitter MilkwortPerennial0.2 5-9  LMHSNM01 
Polygala japonica Perennial0.3 -  LMHSNM12 
Polygala reinii Perennial0.3 -  LMHSNM01 
Polygala senegaSenega Snake RootPerennial0.3 -  LMHSNDM03 
Polygala tenuifoliaYuan ZhiPerennial0.2 5-9  LMHSNM13 
Polygala theezans Perennial0.0 -  LMHSNM10 
Polygala vulgarisMilkwort, Common milkwortPerennial0.4 5-9  LMHSNM12 
Securidaca longipedunculataViolet TreeTree6.0 10-12  LMHSNM143

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

L.

Botanical References

5051

Links / References

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Subject : Polygala sibirica  
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