Sophora tonkinensis
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Sophora tonkinensis is a SHRUB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. 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): 1
Where it is found
Bush-wood of stony mountain slopes at elevations of 1000 - 2000 metres in Guangxi, Guizhou and Yunnan Provinces of China.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic and hypotensive. A decoction of the dried roots is used in the treatment of a variety of ailments including cancer of the respiratory tract and urinary bladder, boils, constipation, coughs and sore throats. The plant contains a number of compounds that demonstrate anticancer activity.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Urinary: Treats urinary problems, including urinary tract infection (UTI).
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a well-drained moderately fertile soil in full sun. It grows best in the warmer areas of the country where the wood will be more readily ripened and better able to withstand winter cold. Plants should be container-grown and planted out whilst young, older plants do not transplant well. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Pre-soak stored seed for 12 hours in hot (not boiling) water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots in the greenhouse, and grow them on for 2 years under protected conditions. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer of their third year. Cuttings of young shoots with a heel, July/August in a frame. Air-layering.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant contains cytosine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic.