Achyranthes japonica

Achyranthes japonica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Amaranthaceae
Genus:	Achyranthes
Species:	A. japonica
Binomial name
Achyranthes japonica (Miq.) Nakai

Achyranthes japonica, commonly known as Oriental chaff flower^[1] or Japanese chaff flower, is a perennial member of the genus Achyranthes in the family Amaranthaceae. It can be discovered on the roadside and its main distribution is in Korea and Japan.^[2]

Ecology

A. japonica is a perennial plant growing to 50–100 cm (20–39 in) tall with thickened roots. Stems are glabrous or slightly pubescent and shape quadrangular and branched.^[2] Its nodes are dilated. The leaves opposite and shape elliptic or oval and slightly pubescent and have petiolate. The leaves are 10–20 cm (3.9–7.9 in) long and 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) wide. Flowers bloom from August to September and inflorescence spikes in axils and at terminals of the stem. From there, tiny green flowers bloom. It has five stamens and a pistil in each flower and unites into one at the bottom. Tiny bracts, branch shaped, easily stick to cloth.

Suitable soils for growth include light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils.^[3] Suitable pH ranges from acidic to neutral soils.^[3] It grows in woody areas in lowlands and hills.^[2]

Chemical compounds

The leaves and stems and roots contain several chemical constituents. The seed contain insect moulting hormones including rubrosterone, ecdysterone, and inokosterone. The root contains triterpenoids and saponins^[2] In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid.^[2]

Traditional medicine

The root of the plant is used in the traditional medicine of Korea.^[2]

References

1. English Names for Korean Native Plants (PDF). Pocheon: Korea National Arboretum. 2015. p. 336. ISBN 978-89-97450-98-5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2017. Retrieved 25 January 2016 – via Korea Forest Service.
2. Medicinal Plants In the Republic of Korea. Natural Products research institute (Seoul National University). p. 3.
3. America, Deni Bown ; The Herb Society of (2001). New encyclopedia of herbs & their uses : [the definitive guide to the identification, cultivation, and uses of herbs ] (1st American ed.). London [u. a.]: DK. ISBN 978-0789480316.