Bupleurum octoradiatum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Bupleurum octoradiatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen from September 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Grasslands, stream banks, sunny slopes and roadsides at elevations of 100 - 2700 metres.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Tender young shoots - cooked. They are produced in spring and in autumn.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Carminative, deobstruent, febrifuge.
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Deobstruent: Clears obstructions from the natural ducts of the body.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating:
The old plant is used as firewood.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
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: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist