Elsholtzia fruticosa
Ji Gu Chai
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Elsholtzia genus in the family Labiatae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Labiatae
- Genus
- Elsholtzia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The powdered seeds are used as a condiment for flavouring foodstuffs[3]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[3].
- Product or use
- Condiment
- Product or use
- Oil
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.
One report says that the plant is used medicinally, but gives no more information[2]. The juice of the roots is used to relieve headaches[3].
- Product or use
- Miscellany
- Product or use
- Anodyne
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The highly aromatic foliage is used in pot-pourri[1]. The powdered plant is used for incense[3].
- Product or use
- Pot-pourri
- Product or use
- Incense
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China, Nepal.
- Habitat
- Grasslands, open hills, valleys; 1200-3200 m. Gansu, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse or cold frame[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Grows well on woodland margins[1]. This species is a sub-shrub, the woody stems often dying back to the base in severe winters[1].
References
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6