Aristolochia molissima
| Aristolochia molissima | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 0.3' |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Aristolochia molissima
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[3][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
Habitat: Uplands and bamboo thickets[4].
Medicinal: The flowers are diuretic[5].
The whole plant is anodyne, antiphlogistic and carminative[4][5]. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatoid aches and pains[4].
The plant contains aristolochic acid, which is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[5].
Pollinators: Flies
Soil: Can grow in medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
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.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Read, Bernard. Famine Foods Listed in the Chiu Huang Pen Ts'ao. Taipei Southern Materials Centre, 1977.