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Description
Tripterygium Wilfordii, commonly known as Thunder God Vine or Lei Gong Teng, is a deciduous climbing plant belonging to the Celastraceae family. It is native to East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. This plant has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antitumor properties. In recent years, Tripterygium Wilfordii has gained attention for its potential use in treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Tripterygium |
Appearance
Tripterygium Wilfordii is a woody vine that can grow up to 10 meters in length. Its leaves are compound, with three leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate in shape and have a length of up to 15 cm. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers that are drooping and have a diameter of about 5 mm. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that splits open to release numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Tripterygium Wilfordii is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It can tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions, but it prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. Here are some tips for caring for Tripterygium Wilfordii:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Tripterygium Wilfordii prefers partial shade, but it can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.
- Hardiness Zones: Tripterygium Wilfordii is hardy in zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Tripterygium Wilfordii is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. To prevent infestations, keep the plant healthy and well-watered. If an infestation occurs, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly drained soil.
Habitat
Tripterygium Wilfordii is native to East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, thickets, and rocky slopes. The plant prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, but it can tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tripterygium Wilfordii safe for human consumption?
A: Tripterygium Wilfordii is toxic if ingested in large quantities. It should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Q: Can Tripterygium Wilfordii be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Tripterygium Wilfordii can be grown indoors in a sunny location. However, it may not flower as well as it would outdoors.
Q: How long does it take for Tripterygium Wilfordii to grow?
A: Tripterygium Wilfordii is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach maturity.
Q: Can Tripterygium Wilfordii be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Tripterygium Wilfordii can be propagated from cuttings taken in the spring or summer. Root the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they have established roots.
Related Plants
- Tripterygium Hypoglaucum
- Tripterygium Regelii
- Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook.f.
- Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook.f. var. wilfordii
- Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook.f. var. Chrysanthum
References
- Li, C., & Wu, X. (2010). Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. versus rheumatoid arthritis: mechanisms and efficacy. Rheumatology international, 30(9), 1221-1228.
- Zhang, L., Chen, T., & Zhang, Y. (2018). Triptolide, a diterpenoid triepoxide, induces antitumor proliferation via activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathway in human prostate cancer cells. Oncology letters, 16(6), 7136-7142.
- Wang, J., Li, J., Cao, N., Li, Z., Han, X., Li, Y., … & Liang, X. (2019). Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. versus rheumatoid arthritis: the past, the present, and the future. International journal of rheumatic diseases, 22(4), 391-397.
