Panax assamicus
R.N.Banerjee
Araliaceae
Common Name:
General Information
Panax assamicus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout, horizontal tuberous rhizome; it produces a cluster of one or more unbranched stems up to 150cm tall with 1 - 5 leaves in a whorl at the summit of the stem[
1772- Title
- Genus Panax L. (Araliaceae) in India
- Publication
- Pleione 1(2): 46 - 54. 2007.
- Author
- Arun K. Pandey et al
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 2007
- ISBN
-
- Description
-
].
This is one of several species in this genus, native to the Indian Himalayas, that are highly valued and widely used in traditional medicine and are harvested in quantity from the wild.
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
1772- Title
- Genus Panax L. (Araliaceae) in India
- Publication
- Pleione 1(2): 46 - 54. 2007.
- Author
- Arun K. Pandey et al
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 2007
- ISBN
-
- Description
-
Range
E. Asia - India (Assam, eastern Himalayas)
Habitat
Rich woodland floors, usually in shade, often with ferns and under bamboos[
1772- Title
- Genus Panax L. (Araliaceae) in India
- Publication
- Pleione 1(2): 46 - 54. 2007.
- Author
- Arun K. Pandey et al
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 2007
- ISBN
-
- Description
-
].
Properties
| Medicinal Rating |  |
| Habit | Perennial |
| Height | 1.00 m |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Cultivation Status | Wild |
Cultivation Details
A plant of shady places in rich, moist but generally well-drained woodland soils[
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
The roots of all the various Panax species are used medicinally. They are considered to be most effective if harvested when around 6 - 7 years old[
238- Title
- Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bown. D.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley, London.
- Year
- 1995
- ISBN
- 0-7513-020-31
- Description
- A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
].
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
The roots of all the various species in the genus Panax are known to be rich sources of a range of medicinally active compounds, especially saponins. All of the species, especially those in eastern Asia, are highly valued for their medicinal virtues. The best-known species in the genus (Panax ginseng) has a history of medicinal use going back many centuries. The other species are also valued in their own right, as well as often also being used and labelled as ginseng.
The plant is used medicinally[
266- Title
- Flora of China
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
- Publisher
- Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
- Year
- 1994
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
].
Other Uses
None known
Propagation
Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accommodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer.
Division in spring.
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Useful Temperate Plants Database 2016 by
Ken Fern,
web interface by
Ajna Fern
with help from
Richard Morris.
