Common Name: Manchurian Spikenard

General Information

Aralia continentalis is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from 100 - 330cm tall from a stout rhizome[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, and also as a food. It is cultivated as a medicinal plant in Korea[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East (Primorye), China, Korea

Habitat

Forests and grasslands on slopes; at elevations from 800 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[].
Prefers a deep moderately fertile moisture-retentive well-drained loam and a semi-shady position[, , ]. Requires a sheltered position[]. Plants are hardier when grown in poorer soils[].
This species is closely related to Aralia cordata[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - used as a vegetable[, ].

The following uses are for the very closely related Aralia cordata. It is quite probable that they also apply to this species[].

Shoots - cooked or raw[, , , , ]. They can be up to 1.5 metres long and have a mild and agreeable flavour[]. They are usually blanched and are crisp and tender with a unique lemon-like flavour[]. They can be sliced and added to salads, soups etc[]. The shoots contain about 1.1% protein, 0.42% fat, 0.8% soluble carbohydrate, 0.55% ash[].

Root - cooked[, , ]. Used like scorzonera[].

Medicinal

The roots are used as a blood-regulating medicine[].

The plant (part not specified) is used in traditional Korean medicine for the treatment of dental diseases such as toothache, dental caries, periodontal disease and gingivitis; and is also used as an analgesic, for treating neuralgia, sweating, and as an antirheumatic.

In trials, the ethanol extract of the plant showed concentration dependent inhibitory activity on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and significant inhibition of acid production. These results suggest that the plant may inhibit cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans, and also may support the scientific rationale that native inhabitants used the extract for the treatment of dental diseases

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.