Common Name:

General Information

Boenninghausenia albiflora is a herbaceous, perennial plant often becoming more or less woody, especially at the base; it can grow up to 120cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and insect repellant. Considered to be very ornamental, it is sometimes grown in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, Japan, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines

Habitat

Open forests, grassy slopes and shrubberies; at elevations from 500 - 3,300 metres[, ]. Generally found in moist places in Nepal; at elevations from 500 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Boenninghausenia albiflora has a wide range from the Himalayas to Japan and south to Indonesia and the Philippines. Often found in tropical regions, it also grows high enough into the himlayas to experience snow and frost. It is not hardy in the colder areas of the temperate zone, but can tolerates occasional, short-lived temperatures falling down to between -5 and -10°c[]. Plants are often cut to the ground in severe winters but they usually regrow from the base[, ]. It is best to give the roots a mulch in the winter[].
Requires a warm sheltered position in a well-drained soil that is not too dry[, , ]. Plants are likely to rot if the soil remains too wet in winter[]. Succeeds on chalk[, ].
A very ornamental but short-lived plant[]. The leaves are very aromatic[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are pounded and applied to cuts and wounds as a styptic and to speed the healing process[, ]. They are crushed and placed in the nostrils in the treatment of malaria[]. The external application of the leaves is also used in the treatment of scabies[]. The leaf juice is dropped into wounds in order to kill germs[]. Applied externally to the forehead, the juice is said to relieve headaches, whilst the whole plant is placed under the pillow whilst sleeping to relieve headaches[].

A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of malaria[].

Other Uses

The plant contains 0.2 - 0.4% essential oils[]. The dried leaves are used as a flea repellent[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in the autumn[]. Sow stored seed in late winter to May in a greenhouse[]. Only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].