The genus Aconitum worldwide is notorious for complex patterns of morphologic intergradation that blur the lines between taxa. Aconites from different regions may be morphologically distinct but connected by a series of intermediate races[]. There have been huge differences of opinion between botanists as to how to define a species in this genus, with the Flora of N. America recognizing around 100 species worlwide[], whilst the Flora of China recognizes 211 species in China alone and around 400 species worldwide[]. We are following the proposed treatment in the 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families', which is still under review, but currently (2016) recognizes about 320 distinct species (391 including hybrids and infraspecific forms) and over 1,000 synonyms[].

Common Name:

General Information

Aconitum violaceum is a erect to ascending, herbaceous, perennial plant producing a usually unbranched stem 10 - 30cm tall. The stem grows from a biennial tuberous root that produces a new tuber each year, the old tuber dying after the plant flowers[].
The plant is commonly harvested for its tubers from the wild - the tubers, which are known as 'Telia', are widely used medicinally and highly traded both nationally and internationally[].
The plant is harvested for its tubers - during collection the whole plant is uprooted. It has been observed, as well as inferred, that the trend of unsustainable collection practice is continuing and more than 40% of the wild population in the Himalayan region of India had declined in the 10 years up to 2003, and that this trend has continued up to 2015The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[, ]. Another report suggests that the root of this species might not be toxic[].
The aconites have been of interest since ancient times because they contain diterpene alkaloids that range from relatively nontoxic to deadly poisonous. In various parts of the world they have been used medicinally and as a source of poisons throughout history. The use of Aconitum alkaloids in modern Western medicine was largely discontinued by the late 1930's and early 1940's, though the roots are still widely used in traditional medicine, especially in Asia[, ].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas - Pakistan to central Nepal

Habitat

Shrubberies and open slopes, glacial riverine and rocky moist areas, alpine dry scrub, open grassy alpine slopes, shady moist alpine slopes, forest edges; at elevations from 3,000 - 4,800 metres[, , ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade[]. Prefers a calcareous soil.
Grows well in open woodlands[, ].
All Aconitum species are prohibited for export in India if the plants have been collected from the wild. Cultivated specimens can be exported from India[].
Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes[].
A polymorphic species[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[]. It is eaten as a pleasant tonic[, ].
The root is pure white, more or less farinaceous, with a slightly sweetish flavour that is not followed by any tingling sensation[].
Many of the species in the genus Aconitum are highly poisonous. Any reports of edibility shoud be treated with great care, though there are enough reports different to suggest that the roots of several members of the genus are eaten safely, if only on an occasional and partly medicinal basis[].

Medicinal

The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency[]. It is antidote, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, and is used in the treatment of snake and scorpion bites, contagious infections and inflammation of the intestines[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer.
Division - best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn[, ]. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year[].