Japanese Atractylodes (Atractylodes japonica)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. This species is closely related to A. lancea. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. This species is dioecious. Both male and female plants need to be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the following spring or early summer.
Edible uses
Buds and young leaves. No more details are given[K]. Root - cooked. A famine food used when all else fails.
Medicinal uses
The rhizome is commonly used in Chinese and Korean herbal medicine.
Habitat
Hills and mountains of central and southern Japan. Forests and forest margins at elevations of 200 - 800 metres in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces of eastern China.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.