Japanese pearlwort
Sagina japonica
Family: Caryophyllaceae
What it is like
Sagina japonica is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. 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): 0.2
Where it is found
Lowland to mountains all over Japan. Sandy riversides, uncultivated farmland, roadside grasslands, forests, streamsides and floodlands at elevations of 100 - 4000 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves are used in the treatment of alopecia, caries, nerves, jaundice, fevers, foul sores, skin diseases and vaginitis. A decoction of the whole plant is used to treat boils, caries, dermatitis etc and as an antidote to varnish poisoning.
Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
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 should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it might be worthwhile sowing some in situ in April.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual/Biennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist