Yuan Zhi
Polygala sibirica
Family: Polygalaceae
What it is like
Polygala sibirica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 6in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Dry calcareous slopes in Ukraine. Open slopes in the Himalayas from Pakistan to Tibet at 1600 - 3600 metres.
E. Europe to E. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - cooked. Root - cooked. We have no more details on this species but the root of another member of this genus has its core removed before the root is cooked in several changes of water.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The leaves are used in the treatment of spermatorrhoea. They are ingested as a kidney tonic. The roots are diuretic, expectorant, haemolytic and sedative. Their use lowers the blood pressure. They are used in the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, insomnia, infantile convulsions, amnesia, sexual impotency etc. The plant is also considered to be analgesic, diuretic, expectorant and nervine.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Haemolytic: Breaks down red blood corpuscles to separate haemoglobin.
Infertility: Used in treating problems of human fertility.
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Nervine: Stimulates and calms the nerves.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
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 most parts of this country. It is a very variable plant. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moderately fertile moisture-retentive well-drained soil, succeeding in full sun if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season, otherwise it is best in semi-shade. Dislikes shade according to another report.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division. Cuttings of young shoots in a frame in late spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.