Rohdea japonica
Family: Convallariaceae
What it is like
Rohdea japonica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Thickets and woods in the warmer areas of C. and S. Japan. Moist places in forests, grassy slopes at elevations of 700 - 1700 metres in China.
E. Asia - S.W. China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves and the roots are depurative, diuretic and febrifuge.They are used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, sore throat etc. The roots are used externally as a poultice and internally as a heart and nerve tonic. The plant shows cardiac activity, rather like digitoxin (in Digitalis purpurea).
Cardiac: Used in the treatment of heart problems.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
The plant has shown insecticidal activity.
Insecticide: Kills insects.
How it is grown
Prefers a position in semi-shade in a moderately fertile humus-rich and moisture-retentive soil. Plants are not particular as to the soil type.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist