Urceola micrantha
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
Urceola micrantha is an evergreen Climber growing to 50 m (164ft 1in). It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from August to December. 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): 50
Where it is found
Valleys, stream edges and shrub thickets. Mixed forests, brushwoods at elevations from 300 - 1000 metres.
E. Asia - China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The roots and the mature vine are carminative and blood tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of rheumatoid numbness and pain, lumbago due to deficient kidney function, strained back muscles, fractures, torsion injuries and haemorrhage due to wound injuries. The bark and roots are used for the treatment of infantile paralysis, rheumatalgia, injury, and fractures.
Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it could possibly succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country.
Propagating it: Seed -
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