Yellow Pagoda Tree

This cosmopolitan genus has about 50 species of perennials, deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, whcih have handsome, pinnate leaves, and attractive pea-like flowers and pods. Sophora japonica is widely grown as a landscape tree, especially in Japan and the Mediterranean. It needs hot summers to flower well. Sophora species contain the alkaloid cytisine, which resembles nicotine and is similarly toxic. The red seeds of the N American S. secundiflora (mescal bean, coral bean) were important in intitiation rites of tribes in the southwestern USA and Mexico, and were used to treat earache. Sophora flavescens was first mentioned during the late Han dynasty (CE25-220) and uses of S. japonica can be dated back to c.CE600. Sophora subprostrata (pigeon pea) was first recorded in Chinese Medicine c.CE973, as an anti-inflammatory and detoxicant for mouth and throat infection, and for snakebite. Research suggests use in the treatment of various cancers. Sophora is from the Arabic sophera, a name given to various trees with pea flowers.

Deciduous shrub with upright, downy stems and pinnate leaves, to 25cm (10in) long, divided into 15-40 narrowly oblong to lanceolate leaflets. Pale green-yellow, rarely purple, flowers are produced in erect racemes in summer, followed by leathery pods, about 8cm (3in) long, constricted between the seeds.

Common Name:	Yellow Pagoda Tree
Botanical Name:	Sophora flavescens
Genus:	Sophora
Family:	Papilionaceae
Native Location:	Japan, China, Siberia, and Korea
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe (species only); by grafting in late winter (cultivars of S. japonica). .
Harvest:	Roots (S. flavescens) are lifted in autumn. Flowers and flower buds (S. japonica) are picked in late summer. Fruits are collected in autumn. All parts are dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	1.5m (5ft)
Width:	2m (6ft)
Hardiness:	Z6
Parts Used:	Roots (ku shen)
Properties:	A bitter, cooling, diuretic herb that controls itching and has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-tumor effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for jaundice, dysentery, diarrhea, and urinary infections. Internally and externally for vaginitis, eczema, pruritis, ringworm, leprosy, syphilis, scabies, and itching allergic reactions.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 372