Achyranthes japonica
| Achyranthes japonica | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Achyranthes |
| Species: | A. japonica
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| Binomial name | |
| Achyranthes japonica | |
Achyranthes japonica, commonly known as Oriental chaff flower[1] or Japanese chaff flower, is a perennial member of the genus Achyranthes in the family Amaranthaceae. It can be discovered on the roadside and its main distribution is in Korea and Japan.[2]
Ecology
[edit]A. japonica is a perennial plant growing to 50–100 cm (20–39 in) in height with thickened roots. Stems are quadrangular, branched, and glabrous or slightly pubescent.[2] Stem nodes are dilated. The petiolate leaves are opposite, elliptic or oblong, and slightly pubescent, 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long and 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) wide. Tiny green flowers bloom from August to September, with inflorescence spikes in axils and at terminals of the stem. Each flower has five fused stamens and a single pistil. Tiny branch-shaped bracts easily stick to clothing.
Members of the genus Achyranthes in cultivation call for partial shade and rich, deep, well-drained soil, sandy and slightly acid.[3] A. japonica grows in woody areas in lowlands and hills.[2]
Chemical compounds
[edit]The leaves and stems and roots contain several chemical constituents. The seed contain insect moulting hormones including rubrosterone, ecdysterone, and inokosterone. The root contains triterpenoids and saponins[2] In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid.[2]
Traditional medicine
[edit]The root of the plant is used in the traditional medicine of Korea.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ English Names for Korean Native Plants (PDF). Pocheon: Korea National Arboretum. 2015. p. 336. ISBN 978-89-97450-98-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 25 January 2016 – via Korea Forest Service.
- ^ a b c d e f World Health Organization 1998, p. 3.
- ^ Bown 2001, p. 99.
Bibliography
[edit]- Bown, Deni (2001). New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses (1st American ed.). London: DK Pub. ISBN 978-0789480316. "The Herb Society of America" on title page.
- World Health Organization, ed. (1998). Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea: Information on 150 Commonly Used Medicinal Plants. Manila: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. Compiled by Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University. WHO Regional Publications Western Pacific Series no. 21.