Bai Wei
Cynanchum atratum

Family: Asclepiadaceae

What it is like

Cynanchum atratum is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Mountains all over Japan. Sunny meadows from the lowlands to elevations of 500 metres.

E. Asia - Northern China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young stem and leaves - cooked. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young seedpods - thoroughly boiled. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is depurative, diuretic and febrifuge. In Chinese medicine, the decocted root is generally used with other herbs in the treatment of coughs and hectic fevers, haematuria, acute urinary tract infection, pharyngitis, abscesses and snake bites. The stem is antitussive and sialagogue.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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. It probably does not have any special cultivation requirements and will probably succeed in most soils in a sunny position. See also the records for C. stratum which might be a mis-spelling for this species.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial Climber

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

There are some reports of toxins in this genus.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Vincetoxicum atratum. (Bunge.)Morr.&Decne.