Orostachys japonica
| Orostachys japonica | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Genus: | Orostachys |
| Species: | O. japonica |
| Binomial name | |
| Orostachys japonica (Maxim.) A.Berger | |
Orostachys japonica (also known as rock pine) is a species of flowering plant in the genus Orostachys. It's main habitat is on the surface of mountain rocks in Korea and Japan,[1] and rocks on low mountains along streams in China.[2]
Ecology
Orostachys japonica is a biennial/perennial plant growing to 10 centimetres (3.9 in). It is in flower from September to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite. The rosette leaves shape like a spatula.[2]
- Suitable for: light sandy and loamy soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
- Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic alkaline soils.
Because of its growing shape which resembles a pine tree's cone, and its habit of growing on mountain rocks, it is also called rock pine.[1] It grows well in a sunny or semi-shaded(light woodland) location with a well-drained and moist soil that is low in nutrients. Its flowers bloom from September to October. The flowers are white and each flower has 5 conical petals. The flower lacks a peduncle. Its calyx is divided into 5 parts. When the flowers bloom and produce seeds, it dries out.
Medicinal uses
The leaves and stems contain several medically active constituents including fatty acid esters, Friedelin and flavonoids.[1] They are antispasmodic and cytotoxic. It strengthens the immune system of our body to produces specialized antibodies, preventing some disease. It has anti-cancer effect, suppressing the propagation of cancer cells. For this reason, it uses in the treatment of tumor and other disease. In Korea, they are used in the treatment of cancer, gingivitis, coagulation and metritis.[1]
Recipe
Prepare dried orostachys japonica 5 grams (0.18 oz)-10 grams (0.35 oz). If it is raw, use 100 grams (3.5 oz). Pour 1 litre (0.22 imp gal; 0.26 US gal) water in the pot and put the dried orostachys japonica into it. Simmer gently on low heat. It is better to drink it before the meal. 3-4 times in a day.
- Formulated concentrate
In order to make the formulated concentrate of orostachys japonica, first, harvest and wash it and put one or two pieces of orostachys japonica into the blender with some water and grind it. It is better to drink it 3-4 times before the meal. It helps to overcome fatigue.
- Powder
Dried powder is one of the way to eat orostachys japonica. In order to make it, first, prepare washed orostachys japonica and dry it in shade. It will take 1-2 days to dry it properly. After dry it out completely, grind it into fine powder by using a mortar or other tool. To drink it as a tea, put some powder into a cup and mix it with some water and then you can enjoy it. According to person's preference, sometimes add some sugar or other spices.
