Ligusticum brachylobum
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Ligusticum brachylobum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. 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): 1
Where it is found
Grassy slopes, alpine meadows and shrubs, banks of streams or in forests and forest edges at elevations of 1600 - 4100 metres in NE Guizhou, Shaanxi, W & SE Sichuan, E Xizang, Yunnan.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is anodyne, antidote, antipyretic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue and expectorant. It is used in the treatment of common colds with headache, body ache and stiff neck, rheumatic pain and tetanus. It is an antidote for arsenic poisoning.
Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.
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.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
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. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible in a greenhouse or cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer if they have grown large enough. Otherwise, keep them in a cold frame for the first winter and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist