Angelica pubescens

Angelica pubescens - Flickr - odako1

Angelica pubescens is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is commonly known as du huo in traditional Chinese medicine. This perennial herb is native to East Asia, particularly in regions of China, Japan, and Korea.

Description

Angelica pubescens is characterized by its tall stature, reaching heights of up to 1.5 meters. The plant has a robust, hollow stem that is often purplish in color. The leaves are large, bipinnate, and have a distinctive aromatic scent. The flowers are small, white, and arranged in compound umbels, typical of the Apiaceae family. The fruit is a schizocarp, splitting into two mericarps when mature.

Habitat

This species thrives in mountainous regions and forested areas. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can often be found along riverbanks and in shaded areas.

Uses in Traditional Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, Angelica pubescens is valued for its purported medicinal properties. The root of the plant, known as du huo, is commonly used to treat conditions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and lower back pain. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Cultivation

Angelica pubescens is cultivated for both its medicinal uses and as an ornamental plant. It requires a temperate climate and is typically grown from seeds. The plant prefers partial shade and well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

Related Species

Angelica pubescens is closely related to other species in the Angelica genus, such as Angelica sinensis (dong quai) and Angelica archangelica (garden angelica). These species are also used in traditional medicine and share similar growing conditions.

See Also

• Apiaceae
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Rheumatism
• Arthritis
• Angelica sinensis
• Angelica archangelica