Common Name: |
Grass-leaved sweet Flag |
Other Names: |
Japanese rush, rock sweet flag. |
Botanical Name: |
Acorus gramineus |
Genus: |
Acorus |
Family: |
Acoraceae |
Location: |
E Asia |
Cultivation: |
Wet soil or shallow water up to 25cm (10in) deep in a sunny position. Acorus gramineus 'Pusillus' can be grown as a submerged aquatic. Plants grown in aquariums deteriorate if submerged for long periods, especially if grown in tropical conditions. Divide large clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. |
Propagation: |
By division of rhizomes in early spring. |
Harvest: |
Plants are lifted at any time, except during the flowering period. The required amount of rhizome is cut and the remainder replanted. The rhizome may be dried for use in decoctions, distilled for oil (A. calamus), or used fresh for tinctures, liquid extracts, pastes, and powders. |
Height: |
10-50cm (4-20in) |
:Width |
10-23cm (4-9in) |
Variations: |
Hakuro-nishiki Compact, with bright yellow leaves
Licorice (Licorice sweet flag) Smells and tasts strongly of licorice Height: 20-30cm (8-12in).
Ogon syn. Wogon Cream-striped leaves Height: 25cm (10in) Width: 10-15cm (4-6in)
Pusillus (dwarf Japanese Rush) The smallest variant with leaves 4-15cm (1½-6in) long. Height: 10cm (4in) Width: 10-15cm (4-6in).
Variegatus Leaves striped cream and yellow Height: 25cm (10in) Width: 15cm (6in) |
Hardiness: |
Z7-9 |
Parts Used: |
Rhizomes (shi chang pu) |
Properties: |
An aromatic, anti-bacterial, tonic herb that stimulates the digestive system, clears the bronchial passages, relieves indigestion, and has mild sedative effects. |
Medicinal Uses: |
An important herb in Chinese medicine for poor appetite, gastritis, mucus, and depression. Considered to be a warming herb and therefore not given to patients with a tendency to perspire excessively. |
Culinary Uses: |
Known as sekisho in Japan, rhizomes are roasted or stir-fried. Licorice sweet flag is used to flavor rice in Thailand. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 101-102
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