Common Name:

General Information

Aralia atropurpurea is a herbaceous, perenial plant growing around 50 - 150cm tall from an elongate rhizome[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southwest and central China (Sichuan, Yunnan)

Habitat

Broadleaf or mixed conifer and evergreen broadleaf forests; at elevations from 1,800 - 3,300 metres[]. Among scattered trees, grasslands on slopes or roadsides; at elevations from 2,700 - 3,300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally grow best in a good deep loam and a semi-shady position[, , ]. Require a sheltered position[]. Plants are hardier when grown in poorer soils[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are used as a blood-regulating medicine and for correcting irregular menstrual periods[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 - 5 months of cold stratification. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 4 months at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Once the plants are 25cm or more tall, they can be planted out into their permanent positions, late spring or early summer being the best time to do this.
Root cuttings 8cm long, early winter in a cold frame[, ]. Store the roots upside down in sand and pot up in early to mid spring. High percentage[].
Division of suckers in late winter[]. Very easy, the suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions if required.