Locust

Gleditsia sinensis

Physical Characteristics

Gleditsia sinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: The seed is roasted, dehusked, soaked until soft then boiled and eaten with sugar[179]. Young leaves - cooked. A famine food used when all else fails[177].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antibacterial Antifungal Antipruritic Antitussive Astringent Emetic Epilepsy Expectorant Febrifuge Haemostatic Laxative Skin Stimulant VD A decoction of the leaves is used for washing sores[218], including syphilitic skin diseases[174]. The stem bark is anthelmintic and febrifuge[218]. The fruit is antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, astringent, emetic, expectorant, haemostatic and stimulant[174, 176, 178, 218]. It is used in the treatment of bronchial asthma with sticky phlegm, epilepsy and apoplexy with loss of consciousness[176]. Overdosage can cause poisoning of the entire body, haemolysis of the blood[176]. The seed is emetic, expectorant, decongestant and purgative[147, 218]. They have been used in the treatment of cancer of the rectum[218]. The root bark is anthelmintic and antifebrile[218]. The thorns on the plant are antipruritic[176]. They are used in the treatment of acute purulent inflammation, dermatopathies and tonsillitis[176]. They should not be used by pregnant women[176]. The plant has been used in the treatment of lockjaw, stroke, acute numbness of the throat and epilepsy, but the report does not make clear whether the seed or the thorns of the plant are used[147]

Known Hazards

The plant contains potentially toxic compounds[222].