Amphicarpaea edgeworthii -

Family:	Leguminosae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	1.5
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Japan, Himalayas

Amphicarpaea edgeworthii () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 1.5m . 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

Soil Information

Amphicarpaea edgeworthii 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
Amphicarpaea edgeworthii prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Amphicarpaea edgeworthii can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Woods and shaded places in lowland all over Japan.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

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 should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, we have followed the treatment given in 'Flora of Japan'[58], but A. japonica is the name cited in 'Legumes of Northern Eurasia'[261]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a moist humus-rich soil in a shady position[200]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 4/5
Seed and seedpods - cooked[46, 61, 105, 177]. The seedpods are harvested when green and used for food[2].

• Seed - includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
• Seedpod - things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in a semi-shaded position in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within a few weeks. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Division. We have been unable to divide this plant because it only makes a small taproot. However, many of the seeds are produced under the ground and these can be harvested like tubers and potted up to make more plants.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

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