Common Name: Rattan Jot

General Information

Geranium wallichianum is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow around 40 - 60cm tall[]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover.
Geranium wallichianum has a large range and, whilst is considered to be quite rare across this range, where the plant does grow, it is reported to be abundant. Given its widespread distribution, and occurrence in a variety of habitats at higher elevations, it is suspected that the global population is large. It should be noted, however, that the plant is collected for its medicinal properties and it has been reported to have suffered substantial population declines in Pakistan as a result of this exploitation. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayan regionss of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, southwest China (Xizang) and probably Bhutan.

Habitat

Undergrowth in open forests and shrubberie, also in meadows and on open slopes; mainly at elevations from 1,600 - 3,300 metres, but occasionally ascending to 4,200 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position[]. Tolerates a wide range of soil types[]. Prefers a position that is cool and moist in the summer but is not heavily shaded[].
Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].
Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant has astringent properties[].

The dried roots are ground into a powder and roasted to prepare a sweet dish that is taken to treat sexual debility, backache, gout and joint pain[]. The powdered root is also taken alongside water in cases of colic, jaundice
and kidney and spleen disorders[].
A decoction of the root, combined with the bark of Prunus cerasoides, is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[]. It has been used as a cure for toothache and has been applied externally to the eyes[, ].

The juice of the plant is applied to fresh cuts to stem the bleeding[].
A paste of the plant is used as a poultice to relieve joint pains[].

Research has shown that the rhizomes in particular exhibit a variety of biological activities, including enzymatic inhibition, and antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, phytotoxic and insecticidal properties[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A good dense ground cover plant[, ]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[].

Other Uses

The root contains 30% tannin, it is used as a dye[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame.
Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.