Angelica anomala
| Angelica anomala | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 6' |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Angelica anomala
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe since the seed only has a short viability[1]. Seed can also be sown in the spring, though germination rates will be lower. It requires light for germination[1]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in the spring.
The seed can also be sow in situ as soon as it is ripe.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be 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.
Requires a deep moist fertile soil in dappled shade or full sun[1].
Plants are reliably perennial if they are prevented from setting seed[1].
There is some confusion over the correct author of the Latin name for this species. We have used Lallem. as is found in [2] and [3], but [4] and [5] cite Pallas as the author.
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Siberia
Habitat: Damp habitats in C. and N. Japan[2][1].
Medicinal: The root is analgesic, antibacterial, antidote, carminative, depuritive, diaphoretic, poultice and is also used to treat women's complaints[4][3][6][5]. The drug (an extract of the root?) lowers arterial pressure, increases diuresis and stimulates contraction of the smooth muscles, especially the uterus, but without causing abortion[5]. The plant is used in the treatment of colds and headaches, coryza, leucorrhoea, boils and abscesses[4].
Small quantities of angelicotoxin, one of the active ingredients in the root, have an excitatory effect on the respiratory centre, central nervous system and vasculomotor centre. It increases the rate of respiration, increases blood pressure, decreases the pulse, increases the secretion of saliva and induces vomiting[3]. In large doses it can cause convulsions and generalized paralysis[3].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: One report says that caution is advised in the use of this plant but it gives no reason[3].
All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[7].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ohwi, Jisaburo. Flora of Japan. Smithsonian Institution, 1965.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province. A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Stuart, George. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei Southern Materials Centre.
- ↑ Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.