Xu Duan
Dipsacus japonicus
Family: Dipsacaceae
What it is like
Dipsacus japonicus is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). It is in flower from August to September. 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): 0.8
Where it is found
Wild places and roadsides in China. Sunny places at elevations of 300 - 1500 metres in central and southern Japan.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The roots contain alkaloids, tannins and sugars. They are antirheumatic, cancer, emmenagogue, galactofuge, haemostatic, hepatic and tonic. It is used as a kidney tonic. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthralgia, traumatic injuries, backache and weak knees, seminal emissions, polyuria and also to secure abortions. The seed is diuretic. The plant is used in the treatment of rheumatism. It also has a long history of folk use in the treatment of breast cancer.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Galactofuge: Stops or reduces the flow of milk in a nursing mother.
Haemostatic: Controls internal bleeding.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
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. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no details but suggest sowing it in a greenhouse in early spring. 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.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist