Practical
Plants

Schisandra sphenanthera

a deciduous member of the Schisandra genus in the family Schisandraceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
deciduous
Growth rate
moderate
Height
7 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
dioecious

Uses

Edible uses

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

Fruit - raw or cooked. We have no specific information on this species, but the fruit is quite probably edible[K]. There are no edible uses listed for Schisandra sphenanthera.

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 following report is for S. chinensis. This species is used for similar purposes in southern China[8]. Wu Wei Zi is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[6]. It is an excellent tonic and restorative, helping in stressful times and increasing zest for life[9]. It is considered to be a substitute for ginseng and is said to be a tonic for both the male and the female sex organs[8]. The fruit is antitussive, aphrodisiac, hepatic, astringent, cardiotonic, cholagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, lenitive, nervine, pectoral, sedative, stimulant and tonic[2][3][4][6]. Low doses of the fruit are said to stimulate the central nervous system whilst large doses depress it[6]. The fruit also regulates the cardiovascular system[6]. It is taken internally in the treatment of dry coughs, asthma, night sweats, urinary disorders, involuntary ejaculation, chronic diarrhoea, palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, hyperacidity, hepatitis and diabetes[8]. Externally, it is used to treat irritating and allergic skin conditions[8]. The fruit is harvested after the first frosts and sun-dried for later use[8]. The fruit contains lignans[9]. These have a pronounced protective action on the liver. In one clinical trial there was a 76% success rate in treating patients with hepatitis, no side effects were noticed[9]. The seed is used in the treatment of cancer[6]. The plant is antirheumatic[6]. A mucilaginous decoction obtained from the branches is useful in the treatment of coughs, dysentery and gonorrhoea[6].

Product or use
Antirheumatic
Product or use
Antitussive
Product or use
Aphrodisiac
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Cancer
Product or use
Cardiotonic
Product or use
Cholagogue
Product or use
Expectorant
Product or use
Hepatic
Product or use
Lenitive
Product or use
Nervine
Product or use
Pectoral
Product or use
Sedative
Product or use
Stimulant
Product or use
Tonic

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Southern and Western China.
Habitat
Rich forests and woodland[5]. Thickets, in wet places, slopes at elevations of 600 - 3000 metres[10].
Light
partial sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
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 the autumn in a cold frame[5][8]. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in a greenhouse in the spring[8]. Germination can be slow and erratic. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for their first 2 years. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, August in a frame. Overwinter in the greenhouse and plant out in late spring[1][11]. Good percentage[11]. Layering of long shoots in the autumn[5].

Cultivation

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

Prefers a rich well-drained moisture retentive soil[1][5]. Prefers a slightly acid soil but tolerates some alkalinity if plenty of organic matter is added to the soil[5]. Requires some protection from the most intense sunlight[5]. Plants are intolerant of drought[K]. This species is hardy to about -7°c[5]. It will succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain if given the protection of a woodland or a south or west-facing wall[5]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Plants climb by twining around supports. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[7]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Kariyone. T. Atlas of Medicinal Plants.

    ↩

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

    ↩

  4. Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  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↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

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

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

    ↩

  11. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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