Herpetospermum pedunculosum

Physical Characteristics

Herpetospermum pedunculosum is a ANNUAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). 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 - Himalayas to China and Tibet.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - fried and then eaten[272].

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Cholagogue Febrifuge The seeds are used in Tibetan medicine, where they are considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency[241]. Anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, choleretic and febrifuge, they are used in the treatment of piles, inflammation of the stomach and the intestines[241]. The pounded root is used to treat problems of the bile ducts[272].

Known Hazards

None known