Panax pseudoginseng Seeds | San Qi
LATIN NAME: Panax pseudoginseng
COMMON NAME: San Qi, Pseudoginseng, Tian Qi
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as San Qi, Panax pseudoginseng is a low, erect perennial in the ginseng family, native to cool mountain forests of southwestern China, while it is grown for its long history of use in traditional ways of the region. San qi is a low and quiet perennial of cool mountain forests, and it is one of the most famous of the plants of the traditional medicine of China. Add these qualities together and you have a species well worth a place in the garden.
Science & Biotechnology
Notoginseng holds an unusual dual reputation in Chinese medicine: the steamed root is used as a tonic, while the raw root is a classic staunching herb for wounds and bruising. Its quality in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia is controlled through ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 together with the characteristic notoginsenoside R1. Purified notoginseng saponins are formulated in China as licensed injections and capsules studied for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular indications, though most of that trial literature is Chinese-language and of variable methodological quality. Because the saponins influence platelet function, concurrent use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs should be supervised.
Within the ginseng family, Panax pseudoginseng is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. False ginseng has a real and distinguished place in the research. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
San Qi works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, false ginseng is a generous plant of woodland garden. Because wild plant has been under pressure, it is best grown with care, and protection of wild ginsengs has been of greatest importance. For a grower, false ginseng is a rewarding and treasured plant, and for a gardener it brings a fine, palmate, red-berried plant to cool, shady garden. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Notoginseng, San Qi or Tian Qi, is Chinese medicine’s premier herb for blood: famous for stopping bleeding while moving circulation, it is a fixture of trauma formulas and cardiovascular tonics, its notoginsenosides extensively studied.
Growing from Seed
Starting San Qi from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. When the young plants are big enough to handle, space them into pots or a nursery row and let them size up before their final move.
Our Take
San Qi, Pseudoginseng, Tian Qi settles in quickly once it finds its footing. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
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