Contents
Description
Rubia Argyi, commonly known as Chinese madder, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is native to China and is widely cultivated in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The plant grows up to a height of 1.5 meters and spreads 1 meter wide. It has a woody stem with small green leaves and produces small yellow-green flowers that bloom in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Rubia |
Appearance
Rubia Argyi has a woody stem with small green leaves that grow in whorls of four to eight. The leaves are elliptic to lanceolate and have a length of 4 to 12 cm and a width of 1.5 to 4 cm. The plant produces small yellow-green flowers that grow in clusters and bloom in late summer. The fruit is a small red or black berry that contains two seeds.
Care Guide
Rubia Argyi requires moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade to full sun exposure and can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods, and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in early spring. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rubia Argyi is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including spider mites, aphids, and powdery mildew. These can be controlled with insecticides and fungicides.
Habitat
Rubia Argyi is native to China and can be found growing in forests, grasslands, and along riverbanks. It is widely cultivated in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan for its medicinal properties.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal uses of Rubia Argyi?
A: Rubia Argyi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including menstrual disorders, inflammation, and liver disorders.
Q: How long does it take for Rubia Argyi to grow?
A: Rubia Argyi grows slowly and can take up to three years to reach maturity.
Q: Can Rubia Argyi be grown indoors?
A: Rubia Argyi can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect light and adequate moisture.
Q: How often should Rubia Argyi be fertilized?
A: Rubia Argyi should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer.
Related Plants
- Rubia Cordifolia
- Rubia Tinctorum
- Rubia Picta
References
- “Rubia argyi.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287721&isprofile=0&cv=5.
- “Rubia argyi.” Plants for a Future. Accessed July 22, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rubia+argyi.
- “Rubia argyi.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Accessed July 22, 2021. http://wcsp.science.kew.org/namedetail.do?name_id=178151.
