Herb latin name: Calystegia hederacea


Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory Family)



Medicinal use of Calystegia hederacea:

The seed is simmered in water as a diuretic to stimulate kidney secretions.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial Climber


Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Flowering:
August to
October

Habitat of the herb:

Sunny grassy places and thickets in lowland and hills of C. and S. Japan.

Edible parts of Calystegia hederacea:

Root - cooked, then washed and steamed. Considered to be very nutritious, it is rich in starch and sugar but it should not be eaten regularly. Young shoots - cooked.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame in a free draining compost and only just cover. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in early spring whilst dormant.

Cultivation of Calystegia hederacea:

Sunny grassy places and thickets in lowland and hills of C. and S. Japan.

Known hazards of Calystegia hederacea:

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, at least some, if not all members of this genus are purgative, some caution is advised.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.