Heracleum wallichii

Physical Characteristics

Heracleum wallichii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac Tonic The root is aphrodisiac and tonic[61, 240].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many members of this genus contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties[200]. Skin contact with the sap of some members of this genus is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218].