Achyranthes fauriei
Léveille. & Vahiot.
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
gbif· cc-by
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
Edible Uses
The plant is used as food, though details are sparse. Based on the plant's characteristics, either the leaves or seeds are the most likely parts consumed.
Medicinal Uses
Acts as a diuretic and emmenagogue.
Distribution
It is widespread in Japan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Japan,
Propagation
Sow seed in a greenhouse in late spring. Germination should be fairly rapid. Prick out seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil once large enough to handle. It is advisable to overwinter the plant in the greenhouse during its first year, then transplant to its permanent position in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Other Uses
The roots contain two insect-moulting hormones, which may have potential practical application as an insecticide.
Notes
There are 6 Achyranthes species. The grow in tropical and warm temperate regions.
References (2)
- Bull. Soc. Bot. France 51:422. 1904
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
