Aconitum chasmanthum -

Family:	Ranunculaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.5
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Western Himalayas from Chitral to Kashmir at 2100 - 3500 metres.

Aconitum chasmanthum () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Aconitum chasmanthum will flower in March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees

Soil Information

Aconitum chasmanthum 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 chasmanthum prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Aconitum chasmanthum 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 dried root is analgesic, anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant and sedative[4, 7, 9, 145, 165]. The root is a rich source of active alkaloids, containing around 3%[240]. It is best harvested as soon as the plant dies down in the autumn[4]. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

• Analgesic - Relieves pain.
• Anodyne - Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Irritant - Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.
• Sedative - Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.

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

Flora of China

Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994

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