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Common Name:

General Information

Rohdea japonica is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.30 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - S.W. China, Japan.

Habitat

Thickets and woods in the warmer areas of C. and S. Japan[]. Moist places in forests, grassy slopes at elevations of 700 - 1700 metres in China[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a position in semi-shade in a moderately fertile humus-rich and moisture-retentive soil[]. Plants are not particular as to the soil type[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves and the roots are depurative, diuretic and febrifuge[, ].They are used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, sore throat etc[, ].
The roots are used externally as a poultice and internally as a heart and nerve tonic[].
The plant shows cardiac activity, rather like digitoxin (in Digitalis purpurea)[].

Other Uses

The plant has shown insecticidal activity[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division.