Trichosanthes kirilowii japonica
Family: Cucurbitaceae
What it is like
Trichosanthes kirilowii japonica is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. 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). and is pollinated by Insects. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
See Trichosanthes kirilowii for possible related hazards.
E. Asia - Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit. Preserved in salt or made into a gruel. The young fruits are pickled. The pulp of older fruits is eaten. Mature fruits are about 10cm long. Leaves and young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable. An edible starch is obtained from the root. It requires leeching. The root is harvested in the autumn, cut into thick slices, soaked for 4 - 5 days in water, changing the water daily until the root disintegrates and can be mashed into a fine pulp. It is then steamed into cakes or used for making dumplings. The starch is mixed with wheat or rice flour and made into crackers, dumplings, noodles etc. An edible oil is obtained from the seed.
Oil: Oil
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 3
This plant is closely related to T. kirilowii, which is commonly used in Chinese herbalism. This plant almost certainly has the same properties which are: This plant is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. Recent research has isolated a protein called 'trichosanthin' in the roots and this is undergoing trials as a possible remedy for AIDS. Skin, vulnerary. The leaf and the stem are febrifuge. The fruit is antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, antifungal, depurative, emollient, expectorant and laxative. It is used in the treatment of pulmonary infections with yellow and thick sputum, chest pains, stuffy feelings in the chest, constipation and dry stool. It has an antibacterial action against E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, B. paratyphi, Pseudomonas, Vibrio cholerae, V. Proteus etc. The fruit is traditionally prepared as a winter soup to ward off colds and influenza. The fruit is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The rind of the fruit is used to treat a number of ailments, including cancer, jaundice, retained placenta, bronchial infections with thick phlegm and sore throat. The seed is antitussive, emollient and expectorant. The root is antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge, galactogogue, laxative, oxytocic, sialagogue and uterine tonic. The fresh root has been noted for centuries as an abortifacient - a sponge soaked in its juice was placed in the vagina and induced an abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy. The root is taken internally in the treatment of diabetes, dry coughs, and to assist in the second stage of labour. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use. The root and/or the seed is powdered and used in the treatment of mammary cancer. One website user has noted that Trichosanthes kirilowii is an 'important Chinese medicinal plant of which the whole fruit, seeds, rind, AND tuberous-rhizome are all used regularly in medicine. While certain types of extracts may be toxic and the raw/unprocessed root may be toxic, to state unequivocally that the root is toxic is to err.'
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Anticholesterolemic: Prevents the build up of cholesterol.
Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Cholera: Used in the treatment of cholera - an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with Vibrio cholerae bacteria.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Oxytoxic: Hastens parturition and stimulates uterine contractions. See also birthing aids.
Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.
Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.
Uterine tonic: A tonic for the uterus. See also oxytoxic.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating: 1
An oil from the seed is used for lighting.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
How it is grown
Requires a rich well-drained soil and plenty of moisture in the growing season. Sometimes cultivated in Japan for its edible fruit and medicinal uses, it is not winter hardy in Britain and usually requires greenhouse cultivation. However, it may be possible to grow it as a spring-sown annual in a very warm sheltered bed outdoors.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March in pots in a warm greenhouse in a rich soil. Sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot and thin to the strongest plant. Grow them on fast and plant out after the last expected frosts. Give some protection, such as a frame or cloche, until the plants are growing away well.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Trichosanthes japonica. Reg.