Asian Madder (Rubia akane)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Partial shade
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 should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a loose moist leafy soil in some shade.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for the first year. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Division in spring or at any time in the growing season if the divisions are kept well watered until established. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Edible uses
Young leaves - boiled. Fruit. No more details are given.
Medicinal uses
The root contains a number of medically active constituents and is antitumour, emmenagogue and haemostatic.
Material uses
A red dye is obtained from the plant. The part of the plant that is used is not specified, but it is likely to be the root.
Habitat
Thickets and hedges in lowland and at low elevations in mountains, C. and S. Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.