Botanical Name: Geum japonicum
Family: Rosaceae
Subfamily: Rosoideae
Tribe: Colurieae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Rosales
Genus: Geum
Species: G. japonicum
Synonyms: Geum macrophyllum, Geum iyoanum Koidzumi; Geum japonicum, Thunberg forma iyoanum (Koidzumi) H. Ikeda; Geum japonicum Thunberg var. iyoanum Murata
Common Names: Asian herb bennet, Japanese common name: Daikon-sou; English common name: Japanese avens
Habitat: Geum japonicum is native to N. America, E. Asia. It grows in the woods and thickets in hills and low mountains all over Japan.
Description:
Geum japonicum is a perennial plant,, growing 40-70cm tall. Leaves 10-20cm long. Flowers yellow 15-20mm across, flowering in June to August. and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Cultivation: Easily grown in any moderately good garden soil that is well-drained. Prefers a soil rich in organic matter. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus
Propagation:
Seed – sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer’ Division in spring or autumn. This should be done every 3 – 4 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Edible Uses: The plant is edible.
Medicinal Uses:
The root is used as a poultice, applied externally to boils and ulcers. The whole plant is diuretic and astringent. It is cooked with other foods as an astringent in the treatment of coughs and haemoptysis
With regard to muscular recovery, an extract has been found to help muscles recover following “severe injury”, to reduce myocardial infarct size by 35–45% when administered following a heart attack, and to inhibit apoptosis. It also has possible anti-viral properties, including action against HIV and HSV. Action against tumors has also been noted.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geum_japonicum
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Geum+japonicum
http://flowers.la.coocan.jp/Rosaceae/Geum%20japonicum.htm
