Tripterygium wilfordii
| Tripterygium wilfordii | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 39' |
| Blooms: | Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Tripterygium wilfordii
Propagation: Seed - sow autumn in a greenhouse[1]. 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.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any fertile soil in sun or part shade, flowering best when in a sunny position[2][3][1]. Prefers a moist loamy soil[1]. Tolerates chalky soils[1].
This species is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the milder areas of the country[2][3]. It requires the protection of a wall and a minimum temperature of about -5°c[1].
Plants can be grown into trees or over unsightly walls[1].
The flowers diffuse a soft sweet perfume[4].
Range: E. Asia - S. China to Burma.
Habitat: Field and ditch edges and on the banks of streams[5].
Medicinal: All parts of the plant are highly poisonous and should not be used internally[5][6]. They are antiphlogistic, antirheumatic and depurative[5][6]. They are used externally in the treatment of pruritis and ulcers of the waistband[5][6].
The plant contains various anticancer compounds, including dulcitol[6]. A tincture of the plant has brought relief to 98% of rheumatic arthritic patients[6].
Usage: The pulverized roots are used as an insecticide[7][8][9]. All parts of the plant are highly toxic and are used to kill maggots and larvae - they will also poison rats, birds etc[6].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are highly toxic[5][6].
Also Known As: T. forrestii. T. hypoglaucum.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Revolutionary Health Committee of Hunan Province. A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Schery. Robert. Plants for Man. Prentice Hall, 1972.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.