Adenophora triphylla
| Adenophora triphylla | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Early Fall |
| Meadows | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Adenophora triphylla (common name: nan sha shen)
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[1]. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting[2]. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty[K]. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 10°c[2]. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young.
Basal cuttings in spring[K].
Division in spring - very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance[3]..
Cultivation: Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry and a warm sunny position[3][1]. Prefers a moist peaty soil in sun or partial shade[4].
Plants are hardy to about -20°c[4].
This species is extremely polymorphic, and several varieties and forms have been described in Japan. The many variations in several characters (hairiness, leaf-shape, inflorescence-shape etc.) can be seen in individuals growing intermixed[5].
This species succeeds in a meadow if the grass is not cut until after the plant flowers[1].
Intolerant of root disturbance[3].
The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants[K].
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan
Habitat: Grassy places in lowland and mountains, also on woodland edges[4]. In meadows from the lowlands to elevations of 1000 metres[5].
Edibility: Root - cooked[6][7]. The root is thick and carrot shaped[5].
Medicinal: The root is antifungal, carditonic and expectorant[8][9]. It is used I Korea to treat bronchial catarrh and coughs, especially where there is excess phlegm[9]. The rot has been shown to contain saponins and triterpenes which are responsible for its expectorant action[9].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Seed Ripens: Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan, 1987.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Flora of Japan.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Kariyone, Tatsuo. Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea. World Health Organisation, 1998.