Panax japonicus Japanese ginseng (Araliaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Panax japonicus
Japanese ginseng
(1 Page of 5)

The Panax japonicus plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan. It is a member of the Araliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Japanese ginseng. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. pseudoginseng japonicus (C.A.Mey.)Hoo.&Tseng. P. repens. Max.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Panax japonicus
Common Name:  Japanese ginseng
Family:  Araliaceae
Author:  (Nees.)C.A.Mey.

Known Hazards:  The root contains up to 5% saponins[174]. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans, and although they are fairly toxic to people they are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. Thorough cooking will also break them down. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Woods in mountains all over Japan[58].

Cultivation Notes: 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 much of the country. This species has 24 chromosomes which makes it quite distinct from P. ginseng which has 44 chromosomes[174]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a moist humus rich soil in a shady position in a woodland[200].

For further Panax japonicus gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future