Common Name:

General Information

Panax zingiberensis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a stout tuberous rhizome; it produces a cluster of one or more unbranched stems around 20 - 60cm tall with 3 - 7 leaves in a whorl at the summit of the stem
A very popular medicinal herb in eastern Asia, where it is one of the species that is commonly used as a form of ginseng. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use and trade, and is often also cultivated for medicinal use, especially in China[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Yunnan)

Habitat

Broad-leaved evergreen forests[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
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.