Panax japonicus - Japanese Ginseng

Family:	Araliaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.6
Synonyms:	P. pseudoginseng japonicus (C.A.Mey.)Hoo.&Tseng. P. repens. Max.
Range:	E. Asia - China, Japan.

Panax japonicus (Japanese Ginseng) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.6m . 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

Japanese Ginseng 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
Japanese Ginseng prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Japanese Ginseng can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Woods in mountains all over Japan[58].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• 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 much of the country. This species has 24 chromosomes which makes it quite distinct from P. ginseng which has 44 chromosomes[174]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The roots are used as a flavouring in teas and liqueurs[183]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

• Tea - the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
Expectorant, tonic[61, 174]. A decoction of the root is expectorant, febrifuge and stomachic[218].

• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• Stomachic - Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer. Division in spring.

Known Hazards

The root contains up to 5% saponins[174]. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans, and although they are fairly toxic to people they are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. Thorough cooking will also break them down. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Other Uses

The root contains up to 5% saponins and it might be possible to utilize them as a soap[K].

• Soap - Plants used directly as a soap substitute.

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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