Practical
Plants

Stellaria dichotoma

a perennial member of the Stellaria genus in the family Caryophyllaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 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.

Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some members of this genus contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

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 root is anticholesterolemic, depurative and febrifuge[1][2]. It is used in the treatment of fever and malaria, night sweats, infantile malnutrition[1][2].

Product or use
Anticholesterolemic
Product or use
Depurative
Product or use
Febrifuge

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China, Siberia.
Habitat
Barren steppes and stony slopes[4]. Slopes, stony and sandy hills and steppes at elevations of 200 - 3100 metres in northern China[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

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

Seed - sow spring in situ. Division in spring.

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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The sub-species S. dichotoma lanceolata. Bunge. is used medicinally in China[1]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist soil.

References

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

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

    ↩

  4. Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968-00-00

    ↩

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