Bupleurum longiradiatum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Bupleurum longiradiatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Forests and shrubby thickets, it is also found rarely on not excessively exposed dry slopes. Mountains all over Japan.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Siberia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The seed is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, catarrh, deafness, diarrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, dyspepsia, fever, flatulence, hepatitis, inflammation, malaria, vertigo and uteral prolapse. Some caution is advised - see notes above on toxicity.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating:
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
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. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils if they are well drained.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in the greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 8 weeks at 15°c. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division might be possible in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This is one of a few toxic species in the genus that should not be used for medicinal purposes as a substitute for chai hu.