Herb Paris

Paris polyphylla

Physical Characteristics

Paris polyphylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed[105]. A sweet flavour, but mawkish[2].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anthelmintic Antiphlogistic Antispasmodic Antitussive Depurative Febrifuge Narcotic The roots are analgesic, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antitussive, depurative, febrifuge and narcotic[4, 147, 176, 218]. They posses anthelmintic properties[243]. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of poisonous snake bites, boils and ulcers, diphtheria and epidemic Japanese B encephalitis[147]. A paste of the roots is used as a poultice to treat cuts and wounds[272]. The juice of the roots has been used as an anthelmintic[272]. The roots have shown antibacterial action against Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, B. paratyphi, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, haemolytic streptococci, Meningococci etc[176]. The whole plant is febrifuge[218].

Known Hazards

Poisonous[4].