Japanese Chaff Flower

Achyranthes japonica

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Basic Information

Family: Amaranthaceae

Genus: achyranthes

Plant ID (slug): achyranthes-japonica

Numeric ID: 22726

USDA Hardiness: Coming soon

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Achyranthes japonica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal 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[279]. The root contains triterpenoid saponins and has been shown to have analgesic, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive and uterine stimulant properties[279]. In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid, which has antioxidant properties, and also inhibits the aggregation of platelets[279].