Podophyllum aurantiocaule
Hand-Mazz.
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Description
Podophyllum aurantiocaule is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
We have no reports for this species but the following report is for the closely related P. hexandrum. Fruit - raw. It must only be eaten when it is fully ripe. Juicy but insipid. The fruit is about 5cm long.
Medicinal Uses
Antiphlogistic Cancer Cholagogue Cytostatic Depurative Purgative. The plant is antiphlogistic and depurative. The following report is for the related P. hexandrum. It quite probably also applies to this species. The whole plant, but especially the root, is cholagogue, cytostatic and purgative. The plant contains podophyllin, which has an antimyotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells). It is, therefore, a possible treatment for cancer, and has been used especially in the treatment of ovarian cancer[46, 51, 57, 64, 65, 124, 244]. However, alopecia is said to be a common side-effect of this treatment. This species contains about twice the quantity of active ingredient than P. peltatum. The roots contain several important anti-cancer lignans, including podophyllin and berberine. The roots are also antirheumatic. The root is harvested in the autumn and either dried for later use or the resin is extracted. This plant is highly poisonous and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women.
Known Hazards
We have seen no reports of toxicity for this species but all parts of the plant, except the fully ripe fruit, are almost certainly poisonous.
Distribution
E. Asia - China.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Xizang Zizhiqu (southeast), Yunnan Sheng) TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (Sikkim), Myanmar (northeast)
Cultivation
Prefers a moist peaty soil and filtered light or shade. Grows well in a moist open woodland and also succeeds under beech trees in a deep moist leafy soil. Plants are fairly hardy, but the new growth in spring is frost tender. Plants in this genus have excited quite a lot of interest for the compounds found in their roots which have been shown to have anti-cancer activity. There are various research projects under way (as of 1990). This species is closely related to P. hexandrum. he plant takes some years to become established but is very long lived in a suitable habitat.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in a cold frame in early spring. The seed germinates in 1 - 4 months at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least 2 growing seasons. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the winter when the plants are dormant. Division in March/April.
