Polygala japonica

Physical Characteristics

Polygala japonica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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 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 Root Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[105]. Root - cooked. The core is removed and the root is boiled in several changes of water[179].

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Antitussive Carminative Depurative Expectorant TB Tonic The dried root is used in the treatment of tuberculosis[218]. It is an expectorant tonic[218]. The plant is antiphlogistic, antitussive, carminative, depurative, expectorant and tonic[147, 218]. A decoction is used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, inadequate measles eruption, palpitation and insomnia, traumatic injuries and snakebites[147].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is said to be poisonous in large quantities.