Common Name:

General Information

Sophora moorcroftiana is a densely-branched, spiny, evergreen shrub with a rounded top; it can grow around 1 metre tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is used in soil stabilization projects on the Tibetan Plateau.
Although small, this species is one of the few woody plants growing in much of its semi-arid environment and it is heavily exploited as a source of fuelwood. This is reducing the population of plants in the wild and has been contributing to desertification in this region. The plant is considered to be Endangered on the Tibetan Plateau[].

Known Hazards

The plant contains cytosine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Himalayan regions of China (Xizang), India, Bhutan, Myanmar

Habitat

Semi-arid mountain slopes and terraces; at elevations from 3,500 - 4,200 metres[, ]. Forests in valleys; at elevations from 3,000 - 4,500 metres in Tibet[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sophora moorcroftiana is a moderately cold-hardy plnat, tolerating temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant. It requires hot summers if it is to thrive, in areas with cooler summers it requires the extra warmth of a sunny wall if it is to flower well[].
Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun[, ]. It grows best in the warmer areas of the country where the wood will be more readily ripened and better able to withstand winter cold[].
Closely related to Sophora davidii[].
Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The seed is antiphlogistic, depurative, diuretic, emetic and stomachic[]. A paste of the seeds is used in the treatment of gastric troubles[]. A decoction of the seeds is used to treat a range of conditions including infectious diseases, especially if caused by parasites[].

Alkaloids from the plant have a protoscolicidal, anti-inflammatory effect and induce apoptosis of human stomach cancer cell line SGC-7901[]

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is a key species in its native habitat, where it plays an important role in the stabilization of sand dunes. It is used in replanting programmes to stabilize dune systems and restore native vegetation[].

Other Uses

Used as an insecticide[]. No more details.

The stems are used as a fuel in areas where other wood is scarce[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[]. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse[]. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year.
Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, mid summer in a frame[].
Air-layering[].