The Fiveleaf Gynostemma is a plant of the Gynostemma genus in the Gynostemma family. Its root bark is used for medicinal purposes and is known as "Wujia Pi" in traditional Chinese medicine. It can be used as a wind-dispelling and dampness-eliminating medicine. Let's learn about the uses and cultivation methods of Fiveleaf Gynostemma below.
【Morphological Characteristics of Fiveleaf Gynostemma】
Fiveleaf Gynostemma is a shrub that grows to 2-3 meters in height. Its branches are gray-brown, weak and drooping, with a trailing growth habit. They are hairless and usually have sparse, curved thorns on the nodes.
The inflorescence is a single umbel or rarely two axillary or terminal inflorescences on short branches, with a diameter of about 2 centimeters. There are many flowers in each inflorescence. The peduncle of the inflorescence is 1-2 centimeters long, elongating after fertilization, and hairless. The flower stalk is slender and 6-10 millimeters long, also hairless.
The flowers are yellow-green in color. The calyx has nearly entire margins or 5 small teeth. The petals are 5, elongated oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and 2 millimeters in length. There are 5 stamens with filaments 2 millimeters long. The ovary has 2 chambers. There are 2 slender styles that are free or basally fused.
The fruit is flat and spherical, about 6 millimeters long and 5 millimeters wide, and black in color. The persistent styles are 2 millimeters long and curved. The flowering period is from April to August, and the fruiting period is from June to October.
【The Value of Fiveleaf Gynostemma】
Fiveleaf Gynostemma can lower high blood sugar and regulate blood pressure, bringing the blood pressure of patients with high or low blood pressure to normal levels. The root bark (known as "Wujia Pi") can be used to make "Wujia Pi wine", which is beneficial for nourishing the essence, strengthening the bones and tendons, dispelling wind and dampness, and treating hemiplegia and traumatic injuries.
The young leaves can be used as a vegetable. The bark contains aromatic oil, and the alcoholic extract is about 25%. The boiled water extract of the branches and leaves can be used to treat cotton aphids, cabbage worms, etc.
The plant has dense branches and leaves, unique flowers and fruits, making it an excellent ornamental plant. It is also a good shrub for soil and water conservation and water source conservation.
【Cultivation Techniques of Fiveleaf Gynostemma】
Although Fiveleaf Gynostemma prefers to grow in shady and humid mountainous areas, it can be cultivated in both high mountains and plains. Choose a semi-shady sloping area, prepare the soil carefully in advance, and dig holes with dimensions of 50x40x30 centimeters. It can be planted in autumn or spring, with a spacing of 1.5x2 meters between plants.
After planting, it is necessary to loosen the soil and remove weeds. After 3-4 years, organic fertilizer should be applied in circular furrows around the base of the plants in autumn or spring, with about 20-25 kilograms per plant.
For landscaping, Fiveleaf Gynostemma can be planted individually or in clusters in courtyards, lawns, rockeries, pavilions, and central flower gardens. It can be mixed with yellow roses, yellow barberry, Euonymus alatus, Schisandra chinensis, etc.
