Sargentodoxa cuneata

Family: Sargentodoxaceae

What it is like

Sargentodoxa cuneata is a deciduous Climber growing to 7.5 m (24ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower in May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 7.5

Where it is found

Open forests on mountains, along alpine gullies where the soil is fertile.

E. Asia - C. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The mashed leaves are plastered onto sores. The stem is anthelmintic, antibacterial, antirheumatic, carminative, diuretic and tonic. It is used as a blood stimulant. A decoction or tincture is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, metrorrhagia, anaemia, traumatic injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, hookworm disease, roundworm and filariasis. The root is antirheumatic.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

The plant has insecticidal activity.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any reasonable well-drained soil. Prefers a fertile moisture-retentive soil in full sun or part day shade. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it tolerates light frosts and succeeds outdoors in the mildest areas of the country where it usually needs to be grown on a sunny wall. Any pruning is best carried out after the plant has finished flowering. A vigorous climbing plant that supports itself by twining around other plants etc. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed and fruit is required.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. 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. Stem cuttings.

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

Habit: Climber

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Holboellia cuneata.