Gnaphalium japonicum
Thunb.
gbif· cc-by
Herbarium of the University of Coimbra (COI)
Description
Gnaphalium japonicum is a ANNUAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails.
Medicinal Uses
Expectorant. The plant is expectorant.
Distribution
E. Asia - Japan.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (east), Korea, Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines
Cultivation
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Useful as an edging plant, especially on poor soils.
Propagation
Seed - sow late spring in situ and only just cover the seed.
