Ji Xue Teng
Millettia reticulata
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Millettia reticulata is a deciduous Climber growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Damp shady places. Thickets on slopes and in valleys at elevations of 100 - 950 metres.
E. Asia - S. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 3
Ji Xue Teng is classified in Chinese herbalism as a plant that invigorates the blood. It is used mainly to treat menstrual problems, relieving pain and normalizing an irregular or absent cycle. The roots and the vines are emmenagogue and stomachic. A decoction is used in the treatment of stomach aches, breathlessness, anaemia in women, menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge (bloody discharge and leucorrhoea), numbness and paralysis, backache and pain in the knees, seminal emission, gonorrhoea and stomach ache. The plant is used as a tonic to induce the growth of red blood cells. The plant contains the antitumour compound rotenone.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
The plant contains rotenone, which is used as an insecticide.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Succeeds in full sun in a fertile moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c and down to about -15°c when given the protection of a warm sunny wall. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in a greenhouse in spring. 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. Layering in spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with the leaves removed, July/August in moist sand in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Climber
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist