Aristolochia fangchi
| Aristolochia fangchi | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Aristolochia fangchi (common name: guan fang chi)
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse[1]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[1]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[2]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Division in autumn[2].
Root cuttings in winter[2].
Cultivation: 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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[1][2]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[1].
Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers that are pollinated by flies[2].
Range: E. Asia - China, Japan.
Habitat: Dense forests or thickets, on mountain slopes, at elevations of 500 - 1000 metres[3].
Medicinal: The root is antirheumatic and diuretic[4]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, lung disorders, oedema and oliguria[4].
The plant contains aristolochic acid, which is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[5]. Aristolochic acid has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy[4]. It can also be used in the treatment of acute and serious infections such as TB, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and infantile pneumonia[4]. It also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells[4].
Pollinators: Flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Early Fall-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: We have no specific details for this species but most members of this genus have poisonous roots and stems[6].
The plant contains aristolochic acid, this has received rather mixed reports on its toxicity. According to one report aristolochic acid stim
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Rice, Graham. Growing from Seed Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan, 1988.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.
- ↑ Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Read, Bernard. Famine Foods Listed in the Chiu Huang Pen Ts'ao. Taipei Southern Materials Centre, 1977.