Fang Feng
Ledebouriella seseloides
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Ledebouriella seseloides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Desert slopes and dry steppes.
E. Asia - China and Japan to Siberia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young plant and leaves - raw or cooked. The leaves contain 1.7% protein, 0.3% fat, 4.7% carbohydrate and 1.3% ash.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Antipyretic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, carminative and antitoxin. It is used in the treatment of influenza, headaches, chills, rheumatoid numbness, joint pains and tetanus.
Antidote: Counters poisoning.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to be hardy at least in the milder areas of the country. There is some confusion over this name. This species is endemic to Siberia whilst other reports say that its range is China and Japan. The correct name for this species is Siler divaricatum. (L.) and it is possible that two distinct species are being treated here.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist