Common Name: |
Daphne Genkwa |
Botanical Name: |
Daphne genkwa |
Genus: |
Daphne |
Family: |
Thymelaeaceae |
Native Location: |
China (W. Hubei) |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, rich, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Remove weak and badly placed shoots in spring. Daphnes do not transplant successfully. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown when ripe; by softwood cuttings in early and midsummer; by semi-ripe cuttings in mid- to late summer. |
Harvest: |
Flower buds are picked in spring and dried for use in decoctions. |
Height: |
1m (3ft) |
Width: |
1m (3ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z5-7 |
Parts Used: |
Flower buds (yuan hua) |
Properties: |
A bitter, acrid herb that controls coughs and has germicidal, diuretic, expectorant, and laxative effects. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for bronchitis, constipation, edema, and skin diseases (especially scabies); used in Chinese hospitals as an abortifacient. Externally for frostbite. |
Warning: |
Toxic if eaten |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 190
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