Trigonotis peduncularis

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

Trigonotis peduncularis is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

A very common plant in grassy places and cultivated fields in lowland areas all over Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - cooked. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The plant is diuretic and emollient. It is also used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.

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

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Emollient: Softens the skin, causing warmth and moisture.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. See the plants native habitat for ideas on its cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame in the spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer if they are large enough. Otherwise, grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out in early summer of the following year. A sowing in situ would also be worth trying.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

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

Eritrichium japonicum. E. pedunculare. Myosotis peduncularis.