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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Sophora tonkinensis is a SHRUB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
It can fix Nitrogen.
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

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

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.
Analgesic Antiinflammatory Antipyretic Antispasmodic Cancer Diuretic Hypotensive Urinary

The root is analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic and hypotensive[176]. A decoction of the dried roots is used in the treatment of a variety of ailments including cancer of the respiratory tract and urinary bladder, boils, constipation, coughs and sore throats[176, 218]. The plant contains a number of compounds that demonstrate anticancer activity[176, 218].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

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. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[200]. It grows best in the warmer areas of the country where the wood will be more readily ripened and better able to withstand winter cold[219]. Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well[219]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[200]. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse[78]. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year. Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame[11]. Air-layering[200].

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 itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Acacia sophorae	Coastal Wattle, Acacia	Shrub	0.0	0-0		LMH	N	DM	2	0	3
Sophora davidii	Sophora	Shrub	2.5	5-8	S	LMH	N	DM	1	0
Sophora flavescens	Ku Shen, Shrubby sophora	Shrub	1.5	5-9	S	LMH	N	M	0	3	2
Sophora japonica	Japanese Pagoda Tree, Scholar Tree	Tree	20.0	4-9	F	LMH	N	M	2	3	2
Sophora mollis		Shrub	2.0	7-10		LMH	N	DM	1	0	2
Sophora moorcroftiana		Shrub	1.2	-		LMH	N	M	0	1	1
Sophora secundiflora	Mescal Bean, Texas Mountain Laurel	Tree	10.0	7-10	S	LMH	N	DM	0	1	3
Sophora sericea	Silky Sophora	Perennial	0.3	-		LMH	N	DM	3	0
Sophora tetraptera	Kowhai	Tree	10.0	7-10	S	LMH	N	M	0	0	2

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.

Sophora tonkinensis - Gagnep.