Podophyllum pleianthum
Family: Podophyllaceae
What it is like
Podophyllum pleianthum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is not self-fertile. 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 full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Valleys and hillsides under shrubs, on wet slopes and moist places below 1500 metres.
E. Asia - C. and South-eastern China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
We have no reports for this species but the fruit of several members of this genus is edible when fully ripe, though the unripe fruit is cathartic. More research is required.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The roots contain podophyllin and berberine, they are used to make an anticancer drug for treating tumours of the genital organs. The following report is for P. hexandrum. It quite possibly also applies to this species. The whole plant, but especially the root, is cholagogue, cytostatic and purgative. The plant contains podophyllin, which has an antimiotic effect (it interferes with cell division and can thus prevent the growth of cells). It is, therefore, a possible treatment for cancer, and has been used especially in the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, alopecia is said to be a common side-effect of this treatment. This species contains about twice the quantity of active ingredient than P. peltatum. The roots contain several important anti-cancer lignans, including podophyllin and berberine. The roots are also antirheumatic. The root is harvested in the autumn and either dried for later use or the resin is extracted. This plant is highly poisonous and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for pregnant women.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Cholagogue: Increases the flow of bile and its discharge from the body.
Cytostatic: Slows or controls the growth of tumours.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a moist peaty soil and filtered light or shade. Grows well in a moist open woodland and also succeeding under beech trees in a deep moist leafy soil. Dormant plants are fairly hardy, but the young leaves in spring are frost tender. Plants in this genus have excited quite a lot of interest for the compounds found in their roots which have been shown to have anti-cancer activity. There are various research projects under way (as of 1990). This species is closely related to P. versipelle. The plant takes some years to become established but is very long lived in a suitable habitat.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in a cold frame in early spring. The seed germinates in 1 - 4 months at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse for at least 2 growing seasons. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the winter when the plants are dormant. Division in March/April.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
We have seen no reports of toxicity for this species but all parts of the plant, except the fully ripe fruit, are almost certainly poisonous.