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Achyranthes japonica - (Miq.)Nakai.

Japanese Chaff Flower

Author	(Miq.)Nakai.	Botanical references	266
Family	Amaranthaceae	Genus	Achyranthes
Synonyms	Achyranthes bidentata japonica - Miq.
Known Hazards	None known
Range	E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea
Habitat	Woody areas in lowlands and hills[279].
Edibility Rating	0 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	3 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

Perennial growing to 1m.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats

Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient; Analgesic; Antiinflammatory; Antispasmodic; Contraceptive; Diuretic; Hypotensive; Uterine tonic.

The root of the plant is used in Korea to treat oedema, rheumatism, delayed menses and as a contraceptive and abortifacient[279]. The root contains triterpenoid saponins and has been shown to have analgesic, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive and uterine stimulant properties[279]. In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid, which has antioxidant properties, and also inhibits the aggregation of platelets[279].

Other Uses

Two insect-moulting hormones are found in the seeds[279]. Can this have a practical application as an insecticide?

Cultivation details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. However, judging by the plants native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a rich, sandy, slightly acid soil in partial shade[238].

Propagation

Seed - sow late spring in a greenhouse. Germination should be fairly rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle. It is probably wise to grow this plant on in the greenhouse for its first winter, planting it out into its permanent position in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Links

Permaculture.info Details of this plant in the Permaculture.info project, a community plant and permaculture database.

References

[238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
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.

[266] Flora of China 1994
On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.

[279] Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila 1998 ISBN 92 9061 120 0
An excellent book with terse details about the medicinal uses of the plants with references to scientific trials. All plants are described, illustrated and brief details of habitats given.

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