Lysimachia paridiformis
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Genus
- Lysimachia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Fertility
- self fertile
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects
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.
The flowering tops, simmered in water, are carminative and diaphoretic[2][4]. The whole plant is anodyne, antitussive, blood tonic, carminative and expectorant[2][4]. A decoction is used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, 'wind-cold' coughing, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injuries, stomach ache, enteritis, snake bites and abscess swelling[2]. The fresh herb is also crushed and applied externally as a poultice[2].
- Product or use
- Anodyne
- Product or use
- Antitussive
- Product or use
- Blood tonic
- Product or use
- Carminative
- Product or use
- Expectorant
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - W. China.
- Habitat
- Hillsides, stream edges, damp and wet places beneath forest trees[2]. Damp areas in forests, mountain valleys and wet ravines at elevations of 500 - 1400 metres[6].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- aquatic
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[3]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[3]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a moist loamy soil[1]. Judging by its native habitat, it should succeed in shallow water. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
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
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/