Panax japonicus Japanese ginseng (Araliaceae)

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Panax japonicus
Japanese ginseng
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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].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow in a shady position in a cold frame preferrably as soon as it is ripe, otherwise as soon as the seed is obtained. It can be very slow and erratic to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse or frame for at least their first winter. Make sure the pots are deep enough to accomodate the roots. Plant out into their permanent positions in late summer. Division in spring.

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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'.
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