Category: Herbs & Plants

Alpine Calamint(Acinos alpinus)

Post author By Mukul
Post date January 30, 2010
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Botanical Name:Acinos alpinus
Family : Labiatae/Lamiaceae
Synonyms :Calamintha alpina – (L.)Lam., Satureja alpina – (L.)Scheele.,Thymus alpinus (L.)
Common Name:Rock thyme,Alpine Calamint,
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Genus: Acinos
Species: A. alpinus

Habitat: The plant originates from the mountains of Central & Southern Europe.In Italy, rock thyme can be found in most areas whose altitude is between 900 and 2600 meters above sea level. It is found in open fields, rock fissures, and areas with little fertile soil. Dry sunny habitats in mountains and rocky places.

Description:-
Rock thyme is a Perennial herbaceous plant averaging between 40 and 50 centimeters in height. The flowers are hermaphroditic; that is, they have both male and female reproductive systems. According to the Raunkiær system of categorizing life forms, rock thyme is considered to be a chamaephyte, specifically a chamaephyte sufruticosos.
CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES
The plant has a woody, fuzz-covered stem. Its leaves grow in symmetrical pairs and are connected to the stem by a thin petiole. Their shapes range from ovoid to lanceolates of 5 to 15 millimeters in length.

The flowers consist of whorled inflorescences, consisting of clusters of 3 to 8 flowers. They range from 15 to 20 mm in length, and are generally violet in color. Depending on altitude, rock thyme flowers between May and August. Its fruit is schizo-carpal ( splits into four equal portions upon reaching maturity).The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)

It is anchored to the ground by a taproot and a network of smaller secondary roots.There are two subspecies of rock thyme: A. alpinus meriodionalis, with smaller flowers; and A. alpinus majoranifolius, which grows in smaller bunches.

Cultivation :–
Succeeds in almost any well-drained soil, doing well in a hot dry soil.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow early spring in a cold frame. If you have sufficient seed then you could try sowing in situ in April or May. Germination should take place within a month. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Basal cuttings in late spring.

Edible Uses
Edible Uses: Condiment; Tea.

The leaves are used as a flavouring in cooked dishes and also as a tea substitute.

Medicinal Action & Uses
Diaphoretic, febrifuge.
Rock thyme is sometimes used in pharmacology for its diaphoretic and antipyretic properties. In addition, it can be brewed and served as tea.

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acinos_alpinus
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Acinos+alpinus

Addendum to Herb Society Lecture on Unusual Herbs to Grow

Tags Biology, Calamintha, Flora and Fauna, Flower, Garden, Herbaceous plant, Inflorescence, Plant

Herbs & Plants

Japanese Chaff Flower(Achyranthes japonica)

Post author By Mukul
Post date January 29, 2010
1 Comment on Japanese Chaff Flower(Achyranthes japonica)

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Botanical Name :Achyranthes japonica
Family : Amaranthaceae
Synonyms: Achyranthes bidentata japonica – Miq.
Common names:Japanese chaff-flower
Genus : Achyranthes

Habitat : E. Asia – China, Japan(Honshu, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku), Korea. Woody areas in lowlands and hills

Description:
Perennial growing to 1m.It is Forb/herb.
It is hardy to zone 0. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES.

The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid and neutral 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. However, judging by the plants native range, it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a rich, sandy, slightly acid soil in partial shade.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow late spring in a greenhouse. Germination should be fairly rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle. It is probably wise to grow this plant on in the greenhouse for its first winter, planting it out into its permanent position in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Medicinal Action & Uses:-
Abortifacient; Analgesic; Antiinflammatory; Antispasmodic; Contraceptive; Diuretic; Hypotensive; Uterine tonic.

The root of the plant is used in Korea to treat oedema, rheumatism, delayed menses and as a contraceptive and abortifacient. The root contains triterpenoid saponins and has been shown to have analgesic, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive and uterine stimulant properties. In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid, which has antioxidant properties, and also inhibits the aggregation of platelets.

Other Uses
Two insect-moulting hormones are found in the seeds. This may have a practical application as an insecticide afterward.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Achyranthes+japonica
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?414337
http://www.gardenguides.com/taxonomy/japanese-chaff-flower-achyranthes-japonica/
http://www.mygarden.net.au/name_detail/acjah/18343/1
http://www.mitomori.co.jp/hanazukan2/hana2.4.437inoko.html

Tags China, Flower, Garden, Korea, Perennial plant, Plant, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku

Herbs & Plants

Niu Xi (Achyranthes Bidentata)

Post author By Mukul
Post date January 28, 2010
No Comments on Niu Xi (Achyranthes Bidentata)

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Botanical Name: Achyranthes bidentata
Family : Amaranthaceae
Common Name: Oxknee
Other Common Names: Niu Hsi, Niu Hsi Chiu, Pig’s Knee, Soei In Soei
Genus: Achyranthes

Habitat : Native:
•AFRICA: West-Central Tropical Africa: Cameroon; Equatorial Guinea
West Tropical Africa: Nigeria
•ASIA-TEMPERATE :Russian Far East: Russian Federation – Primorye
China: China – Anhui, Fujian, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Zhejiang
Eastern Asia: Japan – Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku; Korea; Taiwan
•ASIA-TROPICAL : Indian Subcontinent: Bhutan; India; Nepal; Pakistan; Sri Lanka Indo-China: Laos; Myanmar; Thailand; Vietnam
Malesia: Indonesia; Malaysia; Papua New Guinea; Philippines

Mostly available at the Forest edges, the sides of streams and shrubberies. Moist shady places at elevations of 1200 – 3000 metres in Nepal

Description:
ACHYRANTHES BIDENTATA (Niu xi, Achyranthes) Traditional Chinese perinial herb.Height: 60-90 cm. It is hardy to zone 8. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). Achyranthes is an erect perennial with slender rambling branches, elliptical leaves, and greenish white flowers on terminal spikes. Grows up to 1m tall.
click to see the pictures>…..(01)..….(1).…….(2).…………………….

Cultivation :
Prefers a rich, sandy, slightly acid soil in partial shade . This species is probably not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to at least -5 °c. When grown in a rich soil the roots can be up to 1.2 metres long. Widely cultivated in China, especially in Henan Province, as a medicinal plant and as a food plant.

Propagation:
Seed – sow late spring in a greenhouse. Germination should be fairly rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle. It is probably wise to grow this plant on in the greenhouse for its first winter, planting it out into its permanent position in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Edible Uses:
Edible Parts: Leaves; Seed.
Seed – cooked. A good substitute for cereal grains in bread-making, they have often been used for this purpose in famine years . The light brown oblong seed is about 1mm long. Leaves – cooked. Used as a vegetable in the same manner as spinach.

Medicinal Actions & Uses:
Anodyne; Antiasthmatic; Antiinflammatory; Antirheumatic; Bitter; Digestive; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Odontalgic; Vasodilator.
The roots, leaves and stems are widely used in Chinese herbal medicine. The roots contain triterpenoid saponins, sitosterol and sigmastero. They are anodyne, antiinflammatory, antirheumatic, bitter, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue and vasodilator. They act predominantly on the lower half of the body and are used in the treatment of aching back and knees and asthenia of the lower limbs. Research suggests that they can cause dilation of the cervix and so this herb should not be used when pregnant. The herb is taken internally to treat hypertension, back pains, urine in the blood, menstrual pain, bleeding etc. It lowers blood cholesterol levrels and so is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis . The root juice is used in Nepal in the treatment of toothache . This juice is also used in the treatment of indigestion and is considered to be a good treatment for asthma . The stem of the plant is used as a toothbrush that is said to be good for the teeth and is also a treatment for pyorrhoea . The plant can be used fresh or dried. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer and are usually crushed for their juice or used in tinctures . The roots are harvested from 1 or 2 year old plants in the autumn or winter and usually dried and ground into a powder or used in decoctions.

Mostly used to nourish the kidney and liver, drain ‘dampness’ and promote circulation. Prescribed for difficult urination, painful urethritis, suppressed menstruation. Commonly used to treat traumatic injuries, stiffness and pain of the lower back and loins and for weakness in the legs and feet. Do not use during pregnancy.

Other Uses
Insecticide; Teeth.
Two insect-moulting hormones are found in the roots[174]. Can this have a practical application as an insecticide? The stem of the plant is used as a toothbrush that is said to be good for the teeth and is also a treatment for pyorrhoea.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Achyranthes+bidentata
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Achyranthes_bidentata
http://www.sandmountainherbs.com/oxknee.html

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/herbs/achyra.htm#des

Tags China, Herbalism, India, New Guinea, Plant, Russian Far East, Sri Lanka, Traditional Chinese characters

Herbs & Plants

Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla)

Post author By Mukul
Post date January 27, 2010
No Comments on Vanilla leaf (Achlys triphylla)

Botanical Name : Achlys triphylla
Family : Berberidaceae
Subfamily: Berberidoideae tribe
Synonyms: Leontice triphylla – Sm.
Common Names: Sweet After Death,Vanilla Leaf
Genus : Achlys

Habitat: Western N. America – British Columbia to California. Coniferous forests, usually in mountainous regions, at elevations up to 1500 metres. Woodland Garden; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge

Description:
Perennial growing to 0.4m. This perennial plant is a spreading ground cover. Large leaves, divided into three leaflets, rise at close intervals from underground runners and are long-lasting. Stalks, less than 8 in. high, produce numerous tiny, petalless, whitish flowers clustered together in a narrow, fluffy spike. Pairs of low slender stalks grow in patches, one stalk actually a petiole, having at its tip a round leaf blade with 3 broad, fan-shaped leaflets; the other stalk ending in a narrow spike of small white flowers. The dried plants have a vanilla fragrance.

CLICK & SEE

Click to see different pictures of the plant
The large, 3-part leaf is unusual, like that of its only close relative, California Vanilla Leaf (A. californica), found nearer the coast, but which generally has 6-8 (rarely up to 12) teeth on the central leaflet.

Vanilla-leaf is a low-growing perennial herb that forms patches in the forest understory. The leaves are roundish in outline and divided into three lobes, with each lobe somewhat triangular or fan-shaped. The leaves are held almost horizontally with the flowering stem arising between them. The tiny flowers have no sepals or petals and appear white because of the 9-13 white stamens. The dried leaves smell like vanilla. Vanilla-leaf is common along moist forest edges and along streambanks at low to middle elevations.The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. It blooms in April and May.It is hardy to zone 0.

Cultivation :-
A woodland plant, it requires a position in semi-shade and a humus-rich soil.The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It requires moist soil.

Propagation:-
Seed – we have no information for this species, bu it is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady part of a cold frame. If stored seed is used, it should be sown as soon as it is received. Germination can be erratic. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady part of a greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions during autumn or early winter. Division should be possible in early spring or just after flowering.

Medicinal Actions & Uses
Emetic; Ophthalmic; TB.
The plant was used by native North Americans to treat anumber of health problems, though it is little used in modern herbalism. An infusion of the leaves was used in the treatment of tuberculosis and as an emetic. An infusion of the dry shredded roots was used to treat cataracts.

Other Uses
Hair; Repellent.

The leaves have been dried and hung in houses to repel flies and mosquitoes. A decoction of the plant has been used as a furniture and floor wash to get rid of lice, bedbugs and other household pests. An infusion of the leaves has been used as a hair wash.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Achlys+triphylla
http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACTR
http://www2.ups.edu/faculty/kirkpatrick/fieldbotany/family_pages/Berberidaceae/achlys_triphylla.htm

Tags Biology, Flower, Garden, Home, Leaf, Perennial plant, Petiole, Plant

Herbs & Plants

Siberian Yarrow (Achillea sibirica)

Post author By Mukul
Post date January 26, 2010
No Comments on Siberian Yarrow (Achillea sibirica)

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Botanical Name:Achillea sibirica
Family : Compositae
Synonyms : Achillea alpina – L., Achillea mongolica – Fisch
Common name : yarrow
Genus : Achillea
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asterales
Species: A. sibirica

Synonyms: A. alpina. L. A. mongolica. Fisch.

Common Name : Siberian Yarrow
Habitat : Achillea sibirica is native to E. Asia – China, Japan. North-western N. America. It grows on the meadows, gardens, sandy slopes and dry areas.

Description: –
Achillea sibirica is an herbaceous Perennial plant with alternate, pinnately compound leaves, on green stems. The flowers are white or pink, borne in summer. The plants are hardy in Zones 3-10 in full sun and are often about 2 feet tall. Two varieties with attractive pink flowers that sometimes fade to white are A.s. ‘Stephanie Cohen’ (Z 5-8) and A.s. var.campschatica ‘Love Parade’.
CLICK TO SEE THE PICTURES………..>...(01)....…(1)....…(2).………(3)..

It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.

Very different from the common yarrow, Achillea millefolium. The leaves are a nice glossy dark green, long and serrated. Blooms are more compact than the blowy umbels of its cousin, with more distinct daisy flowers. Interestingly, the flowers fade to almost completely white a few weeks after bloom starts.

Cultivation :-
Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position . Plants succeed in maritime gardens. They live longer when growing in a poor soil. A very ornamental plant. Polymorphic. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagation:-
Seed – sow spring or early autumn in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 1 – 3 months. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, the divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions. Basal cuttings of new shoots in spring. Very easy, collect the shoots when they are about 10cm tall, potting them up individually in pots and keeping them in a warm but lightly shaded position. They should root within 3 weeks and will be ready to plant out in the summer.

Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves.

Young shoots and leaves – cooked.

Medicinal Actions & Uses
Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Carminative; Diaphoretic; Emmenagogue; Odontalgic; Stomachic; Tonic.

The whole plant is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, odontalgic, stomachic and tonic. A decoction is used in the treatment of abscesses, abdominal cramps, amenorrhoea, bleeding, falls, snakebite and stomach ulcers. A poultice of the chewed root can be applied to gum sores.

Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Achillea+sibirica
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achillea_sibirica
http://www.robsplants.com/plants/AchilSibir.php

Tags Asteraceae, Flower, Garden, Herbaceous plant, Leaf, Ornamental plant, Perennial plant, Plant

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