Podophyllum pleianthum

Flower name
Podophyllum pleianthum
Scientific name
Podophyllum pleianthum
Alias八角蓮, ミヤオソウ, ポドフィラム・プリーアンタム, Chinese May apple, Dysosma
Place of originChina and Taiwan
Place of floweringOverseas, Low mountains, Ornamental plants, Specific area
Flowering seasonApril, May

What is Podophyllum pleianthum

Podophyllum pleianthum or Diphylleia grayi(scientific name: Podophyllum pleianthum) is a perennial plant native to China and Taiwan, belonging to the genus Podophyllum of the family Berberidaceae. It grows wild in mountainous forests and on valley slopes.
It increases by rhizomes1. It is shade tolerant and can be grown in strong shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and produces one or two large, glossy, umbrella-shaped leaves per stem. The leaves are similar to those of Diphylleia grayi (Diphylleaceae), but are more rounded, shiny, and interestingly shaped. In spring, it produces 5 to 8 clusters of stinky reddish-purple, bell-shaped flowers from the leaf axils. The flowers are followed by yellow or orange berry-like fruits that turn dark purple when ripe.
The entire plant contains podophyllum, a toxic alkaloid, making it resistant to deer, snails, and slugs.
Dried roots and rhizomes are used in Chinese medicine for tumors and snake bites. The leaves are attractive and are ornamental in potted plants.

Common name: Podophyllum pleianthum, scientific name: Podophyllum pleianthum, synonym: Dysosma pleianthum, subnames: Miyaoso, Podophyllum pleianthum, English name: Chinese May apple, Dysosma, Origin: China, Taiwan, Height: 20-60 cm, Leaf shape: hexagonal or octagonal, less than circular, Leaf width: 15-45 cm, Leaf margin: serrate, Phyllotaxy: opposite, Inflorescence: bunch flowers 5-8 mm, Flower color: dark azuki, Flowering time: April to May, Fruit color: yellow or orange to ripe black, Fruit length: 3 cm, fruit diameter: 2 cm, fruit shape: oval, fruiting season: July to September, uses: rock gardens, borders with Satoyama, banks.