Common Name:

General Information

Panax bipinnatifidus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a creeping, elongated tuberous rhizome; it produces a cluster of one or more unbranched stems around 50 - 80cm tall with 3 - 5 leaves in a whorl at the summit of the stem[, ].
This is one of several species in this genus, native to the Indian Himalayas, that are highly valued and widely used in traditional medicine and are harvested in quantity from the wild.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - northern India (Himalayas, Assam), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, southern China

Habitat

Forests in valleys; at elevations from 1,800 - 3,400 metres[]. Mixed or coniferous forests or under the floor of the bamboos; in moist habitats or along ravines; at elevations from 1,200 - 5,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of shady places in rich, moist but generally well-drained woodland soils[].
The roots of all the various Panax species are used medicinally. They are considered to be most effective if harvested when around 6 - 7 years old[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots of all the various species in the genus Panax are known to be rich sources of a range of medicinally active compounds, especially saponins. All of the species, especially those in eastern Asia, are highly valued for their medicinal virtues. The best-known species in the genus (Panax ginseng) has a history of medicinal use going back many centuries. The other species are also valued in their own right, as well as often also being used and labelled as ginseng.

The plant is used medicinally[].
The roots, which possess tonic and antianaemic properties, are used in treating anaemia and general debility and are especially valuable in treating parturients for those conditions. They are also aphrodisiac and have salutary effects in the treatment of sterility[].

Other Uses

None known

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.