This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Toxic parts

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[K].

Edible uses

Notes

We have no reports for this species but the fruit of several members of this genus is edible when fully ripe, though the unripe fruit is cathartic[K]. More research is required[K].

Fruit

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Podophyllum versipelle.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The following report is for P. hexandrum. It quite possibly also applies to this species[K].

The whole plant, but especially the root, is cholagogue, cytostatic and purgative. The plant contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic 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[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. However, alopecia is said to be a common side-effect of this treatment[7]. This species contains about twice the quantity of active ingredient than P. peltatum[8]. The roots contain several important anti-cancer lignans, including podophyllin and berberine[9]. The roots are also antirheumatic[9].

The root is harvested in the autumn and either dried for later use or the resin is extracted[10]. This plant is highly poisonous and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[10]. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women[10].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

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[11].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Podophyllum versipelle. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moist peaty soil and filtered light or shade[12][11]. Grows well in a moist open woodland[13][14] and also succeeding under beech trees in a deep moist leafy soil[15].

Dormant plants are fairly hardy, but the young leaves in spring are frost tender[16]. 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[6]. There are various research projects under way (as of 1990)[6]. This species is closely related to P. pleianthum[17].

The plant takes some years to become established[6] but is very long lived in a suitable habitat[15].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Podophyllum versipelle. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Podophyllum versipelle.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Podophyllum versipelle
Genus
Podophyllum
Family
Podophyllaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
partial sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press (1984-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    4. ? 4.04.1 Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber ()
    5. ? 5.05.1 Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 RHS. The Garden. Volume 113. Royal Horticultural Society (1988-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.2 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Coventry. B. O. Wild Flowers of Kashmir Raithby, Lawrence and Co. (1923-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.2 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    12. ? Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    13. ? Knight. F. P. Plants for Shade. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0-900629-78-9 (1980-00-00)
    14. ? Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland. ()
    15. ? 15.015.1 ? The Plantsman. Vol. 4. 1982 - 1983. Royal Horticultural Society (1982-00-00)
    16. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.1 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)