Botanical Name : Boehmeria longispica
Family: Urticaceae
Genus : Boehmeria
Synonyms : Boehmeria japonica – Miq.
Habitat: E. Asia – China, Japan. Mountains, C. and S. Japan. Thickets, edges of forests, along streams in hills and mountains at elevations of 300 – 600 metres in N. and SE. China, 1000 – 1300 metres in SW. China.Woodland Garden; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Description:
A decidious Shrub growing to 1.2m.
It is hardy to zone 0. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The flowers are 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)The plant is not self-fertile.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.
Cultivation :
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. It is a sub-shrub, dying back to a woody rootstock in cold winters. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in a warm sandy soil that is very well-drained[200]. We are not sure if this species is dioecious or monoecious[K].
Propagation
Seed – sow spring in a warm greenhouse, only just covering the seed. 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. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves; Root.
Roots – cooked. Leaves – cooked.
Medicinal Actions & Uses
Febrifuge.
The leaves are used as a medicine for treating fevers and relieve internal fever.
Other Uses
Fibre.
A fibre obtained from the stems is used to make ropes and cloth.
Known Hazards : Although members of the nettle family, plants in this genus do not have stinging hairs.
Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider
Resources
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Boehmeria+longispica
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%A1%E3%82%A4%E3%83%AB:Boehmeria_longispica_in_Sendai,_Japan.jpg
http://www.plantsystematics.org/imgs/jdelaet/r/Urticaceae_Boehmeria_nivea_34336.html
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