Japanese pearlwort

Sagina japonica

Physical Characteristics

Sagina japonica is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[58, 105].

Medicinal Uses

Odontalgic Skin The leaves are used in the treatment of alopecia, caries, nerves, jaundice, fevers, foul sores, skin diseases and vaginitis[218]. A decoction of the whole plant is used to treat boils, caries, dermatitis etc and as an antidote to varnish poisoning[218].

Known Hazards

None known