Millettia reticulata
| Millettia reticulata | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 16' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Late Summer |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Millettia reticulata (common name: ji xue teng)
Propagation: Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in a greenhouse in spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Layering in spring.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with the leaves removed, July/August in moist sand in a frame[1].
Cultivation: Succeeds in full sun in a fertile moisture-retentive but well-drained soil[1].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c and down to about -15°c when given the protection of a warm sunny wall[1].
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[1].
Range: E. Asia - S. China.
Habitat: Damp shady places[2]. Thickets on slopes and in valleys at elevations of 100 - 950 metres[3].
Medicinal: Ji Xue Teng is classified in Chinese herbalism as a plant that invigorates the blood. It is used mainly to treat menstrual problems, relieving pain and normalizing an irregular or absent cycle[4].
The roots and the vines are emmenagogue and stomachic[2]. A decoction is used in the treatment of stomach aches, breathlessness, anaemia in women, menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge (bloody discharge and leucorrhoea), numbness and paralysis, backache and pain in the knees, seminal emission, gonorrhoea and stomach ache[2][5].
The plant is used as a tonic to induce the growth of red blood cells[2][6].
The plant contains the antitumour compound rotenone[6].
Usage: The plant contains rotenone, which is used as an insecticide[6].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Late Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province. A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Dorling Kindersley, 1996.
- ↑ Yeung, Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, 1985.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.