Asarum heterotropoides
a perennial member of the Asarum genus in the family Aristolochiaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Aristolochiaceae
- Genus
- Asarum
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Fertility
- Flies
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Flies
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[8][4]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.
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 entire plant is anaesthetic, analgesic, antipyretic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic and hypotensive[3]. It is used in the treatment of colds, severe toothache, rheumatic pain and chronic bronchitis with copious and thin phlegm[3]. This remedy should be used with caution, large doses of the essential oil can lead to death[3]. The root is used, interchangeably with A. sieboldii, as a diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and purgative[6]. The root contains about 3% of an essential oil which is the main medical agent - the isolated essential oil has caused death in laboratory animals[6]. The dried plant is used in the treatment of bronchitis, coughs, headaches etc[6].
- Product or use
- Anaesthetic
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Antipyretic
- Product or use
- Antitussive
- Product or use
- Diaphoretic
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Hypotensive
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - N. Japan.
- Habitat
- Moist shady places in forests on mountain slopes or in valleys[7].
- Light
- partial sun
- Shade tolerance
- permanent shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[2]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[2]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[2]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase[5]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.
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, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The sub-species A. heterotropoides mandschurica. (Maxim.)Kitag. is used in Chinese medicine[3]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[1][5]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[5]. The flowers are malodorous and are pollinated by flies[5]. Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[5].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-600-35666-3
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5