Herb: Mao Gen


Latin name: Ranunculus japonicus


Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)



Medicinal use of Mao Gen:

The plant is decongestant and vermicide. It is used in the treatment of malaria. The plant contains antitumour compounds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Flowering:
May to
July

Habitat of the herb:

Moist soils in grassy places in lowland and mountains all over Japan.

Edible parts of Mao Gen:

Leaves - cooked. The leaves contain a low level of toxicity that is not enough to be injurious.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

Cultivation of Mao Gen:

Moist soils in grassy places in lowland and mountains all over Japan.

Known hazards of Ranunculus japonicus:

The leaves are poisonous. The toxicity is of a low measure and the toxins can be destroyed by heat or by drying. Many if not all plants in this genus also have a strongly acrid juice that can cause blistering to the skin.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.