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Common Name: Hui Hui Suan

General Information

Ranunculus chinensis is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

Although no specific record of toxicity has been found for this plant, many if not all members of this genus are poisonous. These toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying[, , , , , ]. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin[, ].

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Wet places in C. Japan[]. By streams and rivers, wet grassy places, grassy slopes and meadows, below 3000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a moist loamy soil[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - boiled[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.