Phellodendron amurense seed
Medicinal use of Amur Cork tree: Amur cork tree, called Huang Bai in china, is commonly used in chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs, but one that should be used with care. A strongly bitter remedy, the bark acts strongly on the kidneys and is regarded as a detoxicant for hot damp conditions. Recent research has shown that the plant is useful in the treatment of meningitis and conjunctivitis. Huang Bai should only be used under professional supervision and should not be take during pregnancy. The bark is alterative, antibacterial, antirheumatic, aphrodisiac, bitter stomachic, cholagogue, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, ophthalmic, skin, vasodilator and tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of acute diarrhoea, dysentery, jaundice, vaginal infections including Trichomonas, acute urinary tract infections, enteritis, boils, abscesses, night sweats and skin diseases. It is commonly used in conjunction with Scutellaria baicalensis and Coptis chinensis in a preparation called “injection of three yellow herbs”. It is given intramuscularly for upper respiratory tract infections. The bark of 10 year old trees is harvested in the winter or spring and dried for later use. The fruit is expectorant.
Edible parts : Fruit. The fruit is about 1cm in diameter and has a strong scent of turpentine.
Other uses : A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark. An oil obtained from the seed has insecticidal properties similar to pyrethrum. Wood – heavy, hard, strong, close grained. Used for furniture. The bark is a cork substitute.
Phellodendron amurense is commonly known as Amur Cork Tree or Huang Bai (in Chinese medicine)
Native to China, Korea, Amur, and Japan. Grows in the valley of Amur River as the boundary between China and Siberia.
Desired for its attractive shape, bark, and foliage.
One of the top 50 Fundamental plants in Chinese medicine.
Short trunk with low branches make a wonderful shade tree.
Grayish-brown bark is ridged and corky; yellowish-green leaves turn yellow in autumn to match yellow flowers.
Fast grower, drought tolerant, and disease/insect resistant
Yellow dye is made from inner bark, and is used as a cork substitute
Heavy, strong, close-grained wood is used to make furniture
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE:
Top 50 Fundamental plants in Chinese medicine
Bark – treats meningitis, dysentery, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and liver cirrhosis; combined with Baikal Skullcap and Coptis chinensis to make “Injection of the 3 Yellow Herbs”- injected intramuscularly to treat upper respiratory tract infections.
Bark – Anti-inflammatory to treat arthritis and osteoarthritis
Bark – Diueretic and detoxicant to treat kidney problems and urinary tract infections
Leaves – rid body of free radicals, similar to vitamin E.
Fruit oil – contains flavonoids and alkaloids to treat pancreatitis, reduce cholesterol, lower blood sugar, and to treat various skin diseases
Growing Recommendations:
- Keep seeds in a cool, dry location until ready to germinate.
- Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
- Fill a plastic bag with moistened seed-starting mix and bury seeds in soil. Place in refrigerator to cold-stratify for 20 days. Check frequently to make sure soil doesn’t dry out, and transplant any sprouted seeds immediately.
- After the cold stratification period, fill seedling trays with seed-starting mix and sow seeds 1/2″ deep. Water gently to settle seeds in soil. Place in a warm, sunny window out of direct sunlight.
- Germination will occur between 1-3 weeks. Some seeds will sprout all at once; others may take longer to break dormancy. Be patient and don’t discard your seeds prematurely!
- Transplant seedlings into larger pots as needed, and set outide after all danger of frost has passed.
Germination: 85%