Nine-knotted Flower (Sarcandra glabra)

Nine-knotted Flower, Bone-knitted Lotus

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Glabrous sarcandra herb (Sarcandra glabra) is a perennial herb and produces bright red berries in summer. Roots are used to flavor tea and have a sweet yet bitter taste. The seeds can also be eaten when roasted. Glabrous sarcandra herb can grow comfortably at a relatively high elevation as long as the environment is damp enough to support its needs.

I. Appearance and Characteristics 

Sarcandra glabra is a herb native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as herba sarcandrae or glabrous sarcandra herb. Its common names include the nine-knotted flower and the bone-knitted lotus.

The plant is distributed in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippines and, in China (Jiangxi, Anhui, Fujian, Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangdong, Zhejiang and other places), growing at an altitude of 420 meters to 1,500 meters, often growing on wet slopes and in shaded valleys.

Leaf blade elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, 6–17 × 2–6 cm, leathery, margin sharply coarsely-serrate. Stamen baculate to terete; they are shorter than connective. Stigma subcapitate. Fruit globose or ovoid, 3–4 mm in diameter.

Nine-knotted Flower (Sarcandra glabra)

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

Glabrous sarcandra herb thrives in partial sunlight environments where the light intensity is moderate without the harshness of direct overhead sun. Optimal growth requires a balance of light and shade, promoting healthy development. Although specific information on light tolerance isn’t provided, plants like glabrous sarcandra herb that prefer partial sun can usually tolerate some variation in light exposure. However, excessive shade or strong, direct sunlight for prolonged periods may impede growth and affect the plant’s vitality.

Outdoors, glabrous sarcandra herb should be planted in spots with dappled sunlight or where it can receive filtered afternoon light to prevent stress from intense sun exposure. No indoor growth information is required or provided.

Watering

Originating from humid subtropical regions, glabrous sarcandra herb thrives in environments that mimic its native moist conditions. This species is known for its preference for consistent moisture without being waterlogged. To maintain this balance, it benefits from watering every week. As an evergreen plant commonly grown indoors due to its attractive foliage and adaptability to household humidity levels, glabrous sarcandra herb requires careful attention to soil moisture to prevent leaf desiccation.

Soil

Glabrous sarcandra herb is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soil. A special care point for glabrous sarcandra herb is to ensure consistent soil moisture without waterlogging, which can promote root health.

Fertilizing

For healthy growth, glabrous sarcandra herb benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers, rich in N-P-K. Apply bi-monthly during the growing season, reducing in fall and pausing in winter for dormancy. Use a diluted solution to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm roots. Gradually increase quantity as glabrous sarcandra herb matures, tailoring to growth stages. Avoid contact with foliage to prevent burn. Monitor soil pH; glabrous sarcandra herb prefers a slightly acidic environment. Proper fertilization enhances vitality, bloom potential, and resilience.

Pruning

Pruning is not typically necessary, but removal of damaged or yellowing leaves can keep glabrous sarcandra herb looking its best.

Propagation

Glabrous sarcandra herb is a perennial herb successful in spreading through the technique of sowing. For effective propagation, one must ensure proper seed treatment before planting to enhance germination. A well-draining soil mix, consistent moisture, and an environment with indirect sunlight foster the growth of glabrous sarcandra herb from seeds. Attention to preventing root disturbance is pivotal, especially during the delicate transition from seedling to a more mature phase of growth.

Transplanting

For the best start, relocate glabrous sarcandra herb when the thawing soil heralds spring’s gentle onset, offering a nurturing environment for root establishment. Choose shaded spots with moist soil, and if necessary, enhance drainage to ensure glabrous sarcandra herb’s vitality.

III. Uses and Benefits 

The plant is used during Japanese New Year for chabana decoration, normally along with winter jasmine. Other plants used instead of Sarcandra glabra because of its similarity to it are coralberry trees and Ardisia japonica.

Nine-knotted Flower (Sarcandra glabra) Details

Common name

Nine-knotted Flower, Bone-knitted Lotus

Botanical name

Sarcandra glabra, Herba sarcandrae, Glabrous sarcandra herb

Family

Chloranthaceae

Species

glabra

Origin

China, Japan, Philippines

Life cycle

Plant type

Leaf color

Fruit color

,

Garden style

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