Elatostema cuneatum
Elatostema cuneatumfam. Elaeocarpaceae
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Pl. 839E — Elatostema cuneatum
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IOverview
Overview
Elatostema cuneatum, commonly known as Elatostema cuneatum, is an annual herb found in China South-Central, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. It thrives in partial sun to shade with moist conditions, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This plant reaches a height of 0.3 meters and is notable for its edible leaves. Its native range and ability to grow in diverse environments make it an interesting addition to gardens or as a food source in regions where it naturally occurs.
Quick answers
What is Elatostema cuneatum?
Elatostema cuneatum, commonly known as Elatostema cuneatum, is an annual herb found in China South-Central, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. It thrives in partial sun to shade with moist conditions, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils.
What is Elatostema cuneatum used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Elatostema cuneatum
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Elatostema cuneatum has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to support gastrointestinal health.
The mechanism by which Elatostema cuneatum supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that interact with the gut's motility and secretion processes.
- Elatostema cuneatum is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a tea or decoction.
The mechanism by which Elatostema cuneatum supports immunity is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that modulate inflammatory responses and enhance immune cell activity.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Elatostema cuneatum support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Elatostema cuneatum thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 0.3 meters tall and is an annual plant. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Propagate through seeds for new plants. This species is native to regions such as China South-Central, East Himalaya, India, Jawa, Korea, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Elatostema cuneatum for the first time
8steps
Start with Elatostema cuneatum as a simple, low-maintenance plant for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for most plants. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed, or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade to protect young plants from intense sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Provide light shade and avoid direct sun exposure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health. Leaves can be harvested for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to provide partial shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Elatostema cuneatum are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often prepared in similar ways to other leafy greens, adding a mild flavor to salads or stir-fries.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 8 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarSouth KoreaThailand
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Jawa
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Elaeocarpaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 839e3f48-80e1-4b8c-a03a-2d335a7e66a5
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