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Uses

Toxic parts

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.

Edible uses

Notes

Young leaves - cooked[1][2][3]. Root - cooked[1][2]. The core is removed and the root is boiled in several changes of water[3].

Leaves

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Polygala tenuifolia.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Yuan Zhi contains triterpenoid saponins, these promote the clearing of phlegm from the bronchial tubes. The plant is used mainly as an expectorant and stimulant to treat bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and whooping cough[4].

The root is antibacterial, cardiotonic, cerebrotonic, expectorant, haemolytic, hypotensive, sedative and tonic[5][6][7][8]. It acts mainly as a tonic for the heart and kidney energies[9]. It is taken internally in the treatment of coughs with profuse phlegm, bronchitis, insomnia, palpitations, poor memory, anxiety, depression and nervous tension[9]. Externally it is used to treat boils and carbuncles[6][9]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[9].

The leaves are used as a tonic for the kidneys[8].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame[10]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Division.

Cuttings of young shoots in a frame in late spring[11].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Polygala tenuifolia. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moderately fertile moisture-retentive well-drained soil, succeeding in full sun if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best in semi-shade[12][9]. Dislikes shade according to another report. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[9].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Polygala tenuifolia. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Polygala tenuifolia.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Polygala tenuifolia
Genus
Polygala
Family
Polygalaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type












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