Cynanchum stauntonii
Family: Asclepiadaceae
What it is like
Cynanchum stauntonii is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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): 1
Where it is found
Along water edges where it is shady and damp. Sunny places in moist woodland, water-logged lands at low to moderate elevations.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The dried root, decocted with other herbs, is anodyne, antitussive and expectorant. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of coughs and asthma. Decoctions of all parts are used as a febrifuge and for treating internal fever. The roots are used medicinally for pulmonary tuber-culosis, infantile malnutrition due to intestinal parasites, influenza, cough, and chronic bronchitis.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
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 could 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.
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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; 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.