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Common Name: Rock Pine

General Information

Orostachys japonica is a Biennial/Perennial up to 0.12 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northern China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Surface of mountain rocks in Korea[].Rocks on low mountains, along streams in China[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Biennial/Perennial
Height	0.12 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by its native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors in most areas of the country. The plant is generally a biennial, flowering and then dying in its second year. However, it often produces offsets by which it perennates[]. It also freely produces seed[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Requires a position in full sun in a gritty well-drained soil[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves and stems contain several medically active constituents including fatty acid esters and flavonoids[]. They are antispasmodic and cytotoxic[]. In Korea they are used in the treatment of cancer, gingivitis and metritis[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown as a ground cover and is used on 'green roof' and 'green wall' systems in Korea. These systems are incorporated into the structure of the building, providing habitats for wildlife as well as insulating the building and helping to improve the environment[]

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually free and rapid[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out in the summer. Consider giving some protection from the wet during winter.