Sinomenium acutum

Family: Menispermaceae

What it is like

Sinomenium acutum is a deciduous Climber growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. 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. 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): 6

Where it is found

Thickets and sparse forests to 1500 metres in western China

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - cooked. Leaves - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The roots are anodyne and carminative. A decoction is used in the treatment of oedema, moisture-related beriberi, rheumatoid arthritis.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils in sun or shade. A twining plant. A polymorphic species, the leaves varying considerably in shape and lobing.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm taken at a node, July/August in a frame. Good percentage.

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

Habit: Climber

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. diversifolium. Cocculus diversifolius. C. heterophyllus. Menispermum acutum.