Asarum sieboldii - Wild Ginger

Family:	Aristolochiaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.15
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - China, Japan, Manchuria.

Asarum sieboldii (Wild Ginger) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.15m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Wild Ginger will flower in October to November. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Flies

Soil Information

Wild Ginger will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important 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
Wild Ginger prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Wild Ginger can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Coniferous and mixed woods, dense shrub thickets[74].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

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 this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a rich moist neutral to acid soil in woodland or a shady position in the rock garden[1, 200]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[200]. The flowers are malodorous and are pollinated by flies[200]. Plants often self-sow when growing in a suitable position[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
Odontalgic, sternutatory[61, 147]. The entire plant is anaesthetic, analgesic, antibacterial, antipyretic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic and hypotensive[176]. It is used in the treatment of colds, severe toothache, rheumatic pain and chronic bronchitis with copious and thin phlegm[176]. This remedy should be used with caution, large doses of the essential oil can lead to death[176]. The root is analgesic, expectorant, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic and purgative[218, 279]. A decoction is used in the treatment of stuffy nose, toothache, headache, rheumatic aches and pains, productive coughing and wheezing[147]. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

• Anaesthetic - Numbs the feeling in a local or general area of the body.
• Analgesic - Relieves pain.
• Antibacterial - Kills bacteria.
• Antipyretic - Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
• Diaphoretic - Induces perspiration.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Emetic - Induces vomiting.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Hypotensive - Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
• Odontalgic - Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
• Purgative - A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
• Sedative - Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
• Sternutatory - Promotes sneezing and nasal discharges.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer[134]. Stored seed will require 3 weeks cold stratification and should be sown in late winter[134]. The seed usually germinates in the spring in 1 - 4 or more weeks at 18°c[134]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out when large enough in late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Plants are slow to increase[200]. It is best to pot the divisions up and keep them in light shade in the greenhouse until they are growing away strongly.

Known Hazards

One report says that this plant should be used with caution, a reason is not given[176].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the USSR.
Komarov. V. L.
Author: Komarov. V. L.
Rating:
Publisher : An immense (25 or more large volumes) and not yet completed translation of the Russian flora. Full of information on plant uses and habitats but heavy going for casual readers.
Date of Publication : 1968

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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