Japanese Dodder
Cuscuta japonica
No image available for this plant
Basic Information
Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: cuscuta
Plant ID (slug): cuscuta-japonica
Numeric ID: 20297
USDA Hardiness: 5-9
Ratings
Physical Characteristics
Cuscuta japonica is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 1 m (3ftĀ 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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
Woodland GardenĀ Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young growth, boiled and seasoned[177].
Medicinal Uses
Aphrodisiac Demulcent Diaphoretic Enuresis Hepatic Ophthalmic Tonic A sweet, pungent herb that acts mainly as a liver and kidney stimulant[238], the seed of Japanese dodder is aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, enuresis, hepatic and tonic[147, 176, 178, 218, 238]. A decoction of the seed is used to treat a variety of complaints including diarrhoea, vaginal discharge, enuresis, backache, constipation and impotence[218]. The young shoots are used to treat sore eyes[218].
Known Hazards
None known
Detailed Information
Additional Information
Title: Cuscuta japonica Japanese Dodder