Paederia scandens

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

Paederia scandens is a deciduous Climber growing to 5.5 m (18ft 1in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from July to August. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 5.5

Where it is found

Thickets and thin woods in lowland and low elevations in mountains all over Japan. A common weed, in sunny meadows and thickets from the lowlands to elevations of 800 metres.

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The sweet stem juice is sucked in Taiwan.

Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant is anodyne, antivinous, carminative, depurative, vermifuge. The leaves are antirheumatic. They are used to increase infertility and treat paralysis. A decoction of the whole plant is used in the treatment of abdominal pain, abscesses, arthritis, overeating etc.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any fertile soil so long as it is well drained. Requires a sunny sheltered position. A very variable plant. The bruised leaves and young growths have an unpleasant smell.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in late winter or early spring in a cold frame. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Climber

Hardiness:

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. chinensis. P. wilsonii.