Herb latin name: Melilotus suaveolens


Family: Leguminosae



Medicinal use of Melilotus suaveolens:

Ophthalmic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual/Biennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Waste ground and fields in lowlands, C. and S. Japan.

Edible parts of Melilotus suaveolens:

Young plant - cooked.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water will speed up the germination process, particularly in dry weather. Germination will usually take place within 2 weeks.

Cultivation of Melilotus suaveolens:

Waste ground and fields in lowlands, C. and S. Japan.

Known hazards of Melilotus suaveolens:

Although no reports have been seen for this species, the dried leaves of some members of this genus can be toxic though the fresh leaves are quite safe. (This is possibly due to the presence of coumarin, the substance that gives some dried plants the smell of new mown hay. If taken internally it can prevent the blood from clotting.)

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.