Practical
Plants

Paederia scandens

a deciduous member of the Paederia genus in the family Rubiaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rubiaceae
Foliage
deciduous
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
5.5 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Edible uses

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

The sweet stem juice is sucked in Taiwan[2][4].

Plant part
Sap

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 plant is anodyne, antivinous, carminative, depurative, vermifuge[1][5]. The leaves are antirheumatic[5]. They are used to increase infertility and treat paralysis[5]. A decoction of the whole plant is used in the treatment of abdominal pain, abscesses, arthritis, overeating etc[1][5].

Product or use
Carminative
Product or use
Depurative
Product or use
Vermifuge

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Habitat
Thickets and thin woods in lowland and low elevations in mountains all over Japan[8]. A common weed, in sunny meadows and thickets from the lowlands to elevations of 800 metres[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no 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 - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in late winter or early 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cultivation

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

Succeeds in any fertile soil so long as it is well drained[3][6]. Requires a sunny sheltered position[6]. A very variable plant[8]. The bruised leaves and young growths have an unpleasant smell[3][6].

References

  1. ? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X

    ↩1↩2

  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  4. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  6. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩1↩2↩3

  7. Flora of Japan www.foj.info

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2

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