Practical
Plants

Euphorbia pekinensis

Da Ji

a perennial member of the Euphorbia genus in the family Euphorbiaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.6 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

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.

The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[4]. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature[5].

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.

Da Ji is classified as a toxic herb in Chinese medicine and so is only prescribed for relatively serious diseases[9]. It is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[6] and is used as a cathartic to purge excess fluids in conditions such as pleurisy and ascites and for the treatment of kidney problems, especially nephritis[9]. Research has shown that it is therapeutically useful in the treatment of ascites and nephritis, but it does produce significant side-effects[9]. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist[9]. The root is antibacterial, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and vasodilator[3][6][8]. It is used in the treatment of oedema, fullness of the chest, sticky sputum, epilepsy, carbuncle and tubercle[3]. When used in conjunction with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza species) the diuretic and purgative actions are inhibited[3]. Another report says that the plant is incompatible with liquorice because it neutralizes their medicinal effects[9]. Externally, it is applied to inflamed sores to reduce swelling[9].

Product or use
Antibacterial
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Purgative
Product or use
Vasodilator

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.
Habitat
Grassy places in lowland and mountains, C. and S. Japan[11].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
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 - sow spring in a cold frame. 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.

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 most parts of this country. It is a polymorphic species[11]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position[4]. Succeeds in dry soils[1]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[4]. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules[4]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[7]. This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out[2].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Carruthers. S. P. (Editor) Alternative Enterprises for Agriculture in the UK. Centre for Agricultural Strategy, Univ. of Reading 1986-00-00 ISBN 0704909820

    ↩

  3. Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  5. Matthews. V. The New Plantsman. Volume 1, 1994. Royal Horticultural Society 1994-00-00 ISBN 1352-4186

    ↩

  6. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2

  7. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

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

    ↩

  9. Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  10. Flora of Japan www.foj.info

  11. Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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