Aconitum balfourii -

Family:	Ranunculaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Himalayas from Nepal to Tibet at an elevation of 2200 - 4000 metres.

Aconitum balfourii () is a Perennial. It has a hardness rating of 0.
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees

Soil Information

Aconitum balfourii will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Aconitum balfourii prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Aconitum balfourii can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Not known

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade[200]. Prefers a calcareous soil. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer[233]. Grows well in open woodlands[1, 4]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes[54].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The tuber is used in Tibetan medicine where it is considered to have an acrid and sweet taste with a heating potency - it is also very poisonous[241, 243]. The root is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and vermifuge[241]. It dries up serous fluids and is used in the treatment of all types of pain and inflammation from gout or arthritis, all disorders due to worms or micro-organisms, amnesia, loss of bodily heat, leprosy and paralysis[241].

• Analgesic - Relieves pain.
• Antiinflammatory - Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Vermifuge - Expels and kills internal parasites.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[111]. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate[133]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division - best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn[1, 111]. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year[233].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[1].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

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