Practical
Plants

Achyranthes japonica

Japanese Chaff Flower

a perennial member of the Achyranthes genus in the family Amaranthaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
1 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The root of the plant is used in Korea to treat oedema, rheumatism, delayed menses and as a contraceptive and abortifacient[2]. The root contains triterpenoid saponins and has been shown to have analgesic, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive and uterine stimulant properties[2]. In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid, which has antioxidant properties, and also inhibits the aggregation of platelets[2].

Product or use
Analgesic
Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Antiinflammatory
Product or use
Hypotensive
Product or use
Uterine tonic
Product or use
Contraceptive
Product or use
Abortifacient

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Two insect-moulting hormones are found in the seeds[2]. Can this have a practical application as an insecticide?

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Japan, Korea
Habitat
Woody areas in lowlands and hills[2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow late spring in a greenhouse. Germination should be fairly rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle. It is probably wise to grow this plant on in the greenhouse for its first winter, planting it out into its permanent position in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by the plants native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a rich, sandy, slightly acid soil in partial shade[1].

References

  1. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

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  2. PFAFimport-279

    Unresolved citation

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