Senecio scandens
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Compositae
- Genus
- Senecio
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Growth rate
- moderate
- Height
- 5 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.
One report says that this species is slightly toxic[1], it belongs to a genus that contains a number of plants with a cumulative poisonous effect on the liver[7]. Some caution is advised.
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 whole plant is depurative, febrifuge and ophthalmic[1][2]. Internally, a decoction is used in the treatment of epidemic influenza, malaria, boils and abscesses, acute conjunctivitis, dysentery and enteritis[1]. The plant can also be crushed and applied externally[1].
- Product or use
- Depurative
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
- Product or use
- Ophthalmic
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Climber
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China, Japan.
- Habitat
- Shady and damp places by roads[1]. Forests in the Himalayas, 1800 - 3600 metres from Uttar Pradesh to Bhutan[6].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. 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[4]. Root cuttings in early spring[4].
Cultivation
Succeeds in a sunny position in most well-drained moderately fertile soils[4]. Not very hardy in Britain, it succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country where it needs to be grown on a sunny sheltered wall[3]. Requires a warm, dry essentially frost-free climate[4]. Plants can be cut back to the ground in cold winters, though they usually resprout from the base[5]. A climbing plant, it needs support and to be tied onto wires[3]. Any pruning is best carried out in spring[5].
References
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0
Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394