Gnaphalium affine

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Gnaphalium affine is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) 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 dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Waste ground and cultivated fields in lowland all over Japan. Hillsides and arid ground in China.Open places at elevations of 600 - 3500 metres in Nepal.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, India.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are used in rice dumplings. The plant contains a large amount of carotene.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The whole plant is antiperiodic, antitussive, expectorant and febrifuge. A decoction is used in the treatment of influenza, sore throat, productive coughing, rheumatoid arthralgia, traumatic injuries, leucorrhoea, seminal emissions, hives and weeping pruritis of the skin.

Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.

Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.

Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

The wooly hairs of the dried leaves are used as a tinder.

Tinder: Used for starting fires. See also Kindling.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species but it should succeed as a spring-sown annual in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late spring in situ and only just cover the seed.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Biennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

G. multiceps.