Peucedanum japonicum

Peucedanum japonicum, also known as coastal hog fennel, is a species of Peucedanum, a genus rich in medicinal species belonging to the parsley family, Apiaceae.

Description

A herb. It is stout and grows 40-70 cm tall. The stems are flexible. The leaves are broadly oval or triangle shaped and 35 cm long by 25 cm wide. They are divided. The leaflets are oval or round and 7-9 cm wide with 3 parts.

Edible Uses

The young leaves are edible after parboiling.

Traditional Uses

The young leaves are used to season or flavour vegetables. It is also used preserved in soy sauce.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The root contains coumarins and has been shown to be cytotoxic and to inhibit blood clotting. In Korea it is used medicinally to treat migraine headaches, colds and rheumatoid arthritis.

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, skin contact with the sap of a number of members in this genus is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people. They are also said to contain the alleged 'psychotroph' myristicine.

Distribution

A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in coastal areas near seashores below 100 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, SE Asia, Taiwan,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any moisture-retentive soil in a sunny position. Suitable for group plantings in the wild garden.

Propagation

Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe, or in early spring if ripe seed is not available. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and plant out in summer.

Other Uses

None known.

Also Known As

Gaetgireumnamul

References (5)

• Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 2 (I-Z) p 1730
• Fl. jap. 117. 1784
• Hwang, H., et al, 2013, A Study on the Flora of 15 Islands in the Western Sea of Jeollanamdo Province, Korea. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity Vol. 6, No. 2 281-310
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
• Song, M., et al, 2013, Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants in Jeju Island, Korea. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 12(2) pp 177-194

More from Apiaceae

Thaspium trifoliatum

Tilingia ajanensis

false snowparsley

Tilingia holopetala

Tinguarra sicula

Tongoloa silaifolia

Tordylium aegaeum