Sophora tonkinensis

Physical Characteristics

Sophora tonkinensis is a SHRUB growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It can fix Nitrogen. 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.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiinflammatory Antipyretic Antispasmodic Cancer Diuretic Hypotensive Urinary The root is analgesic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic and hypotensive[176]. A decoction of the dried roots is used in the treatment of a variety of ailments including cancer of the respiratory tract and urinary bladder, boils, constipation, coughs and sore throats[176, 218]. The plant contains a number of compounds that demonstrate anticancer activity[176, 218].

Known Hazards

The plant contains cytisine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic[238].