Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea corylifolia)

Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea corylifolia)
Wikimedia Commons — Biswarup Ganguly — CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

At a glance

Lifecycle
Annual
Exposure
Full sun

Cultivation

We have very little information for this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil. Plants are very intolerant of root disturbance, they are best planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in early to mid spring in a greenhouse. Either sow the seed in individual pots or pot up the young seedlings as soon as possible in order to avoid root disturbance. Grow them on in the pots until planting out in their final positions. It is usually impossible to transplant this species without fatal damage to the root. Division in spring. With great care since the plant resents root disturbance. It is virtually impossible to divide this species successfully.

Edible uses

Seed. No further details are given.

Medicinal uses

Bu Gu Zhi is valued in Chinese herbal medicine as a tonic remedy and is used to improve general vitality. The one-seeded fruits (or the seed plus the seedpod) are highly regarded as an aphrodisiac and tonic to the genital organs. The seed is anthelmintic, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, astringent, cardiac, cytotoxic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The root is used for treating dental caries. The plant yields a useful medicinal oleoresin, it treats kidney disorders, impotence, premature ejaculation, lumbago etc.

Habitat

Warm valleys in Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces, China.

Native range

Asia, from Iran to China, Africa and the Middle East.

Same genus