Polygala japonica
Houtt.
Dwarf Milkwort
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no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子
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(c) Penny Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Penny Wang
Summary
Source: WikipediaPolygala japonica is a species of flowering plant in the milkwort family (Polygalaceae). It is native to Northeast, East and Southeastern Asia, as well as eastern Australia. It is a wiry and decumbent dwarf shrub with a height between 10 and 25 centimetres (3.9 and 9.8 in). Its stems have tiny curled hairs. Its leaves are 5 to 20 millimetres (0.20 to 0.79 in) long and 3 to 10 millimetres (0.12 to 0.39 in) wide. Its flowers are purple to mauve and 5 to 6 millimetres (0.20 to 0.24 in) long. It flowers between October and December.
Description
A herb or small shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It is 10-20 cm high and spreads 10-20 cm wide. It has a woody taproot. The stems can be erect or lie along the ground. The young growth has curly hairs. The leaves are 0.5-2.2 cm long by 0.3-0.8 cm wide. They are oval and dark green. The flowers are 0.6 cm across in groups 1-3 cm long. These are in the axils of leaves. They are mauve or purple. The capsule is about 0.4 cm across and round. It has wings. Now Polygala sibirica
Edible Uses
Young leaves are eaten cooked. The root is also eaten cooked — the core is removed first, then the root is boiled in several changes of water.
Traditional Uses
The roots are boiled in several changes of water. The core is removed then the root boiled again in fresh water before eating. The leaves are shoots are also eaten.
Medicinal Uses
The dried root is used in the treatment of tuberculosis and acts as an expectorant tonic. The plant is antiphlogistic, antitussive, carminative, depurative, expectorant, and tonic. A decoction is used for upper respiratory tract infections, inadequate measles eruption, palpitation, insomnia, traumatic injuries, and snakebites.
Known Hazards
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It requires good drainage. It can tolerate some frost. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, China, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Siberia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam,
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 in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moderately fertile moisture-retentive well-drained soil, succeeding in full sun if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best in semi-shade. Dislikes shade according to another report.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring or autumn in a cold frame. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse through their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The plant can also be propagated by division or by cuttings of young shoots taken in late spring and rooted in a frame.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 600 Polygala species.
Synonyms
References (5)
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1997, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 7. Lothian. p 412
- Handl. pl.-kruidk. 10:89, t. 62, fig. 1. 1779
- 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/
- READ,
