Common Name:

General Information

Panax sokpayensis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout tuberous rhizome; it produces a cluster of one or more unbranched stems around 80 - 130cm tall with 4 - 5 leaves in a whorl at the summit of the stem[]
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.
Panax sokpayensis has not yet been properly evaluated. However, it is known to have a narrow distribution with only a few populations and due to the high medicinal value of Panax species in traditional medicine, its rhizomes are harvested in quantity from natural habitats. Populations are known to have been reduced very significantly and the plant is considered to be 'Endangered'[]

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India (eastern Himalayas)

Habitat

Deep, moist forests; at elevations around 1,940 - 2,368 metres[]

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of shady places in rich, moist but generally well-drained woodland soils[].
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[].

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[].

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.