Monday, November 30, 2009

Aconitum


Aconitum:-


Family:-

Ranunculaceae


Genus:-

Aconitum


Range:-

E. Asia - W. Himalaya.

Habitat:-

Usually found on humus rich soils in the alpine and subalpine zones, and in forests, 2300 - 2900 meters.


Physical characteristics:-

It is hardy to zone 6. It is in bloom from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are pollinated by bees.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.


Habitats:-
Woodland Garden-; Dappled shade-;


Edible Uses:-
Edible parts: leaves; Root.
Roots and leaves - cooked. This report should be treated with great suspicion due to the toxic nature of the sex, but see the notes above on known hazards [K].


Medicinal Uses:-
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Analgesic, Antiinflammatory, Anti-Periodic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Cholagogue, febrifuge, tonic.
The dried root has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti periodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cholagogue, febrifuge and tonic. It is used in India in the treatment of dyspepsia, diarrhea and cough. It is also used in Tibetan medicine, where it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. It is used to treat poisoning from scorpion or snake bites, the fever of infectious diseases and inflammation of the intestines. The root is best harvested in the autumn, once the plant dies and is dried for later use. This is a very toxic plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under supervision of a qualified physician.


Other uses:-
Not known


Cultivation details:-
Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or half shade. The preference for a calcareous soil. Grows well in open woods. The roots of this plant are extensively collected in the wild for medicinal use and the species has become much rarer in many areas of its range. Members of this genus seem immune to the predation of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.


Propagation:-
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring, but will then slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division - best done in spring, but it can also happen in the autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in late autumn or winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year.

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