Mao Gen
Ranunculus japonicusfam. Ranunculaceae
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Pl. F358 — Ranunculus japonicus
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IOverview
Overview
Mao Gen, scientifically known as Ranunculus japonicus and belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, China South-Central, and China Southeast. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light or partial sun exposure and can be found growing in various soil types such as light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible leaves, Mao Gen is also recognized for its medicinal properties, making it a valuable resource in traditional medicine. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow up to 0.1 meters tall, contributing to its ornamental appeal while also serving practical purposes in both culinary and therapeutic applications.
Quick answers
What is Mao Gen?
Mao Gen, scientifically known as Ranunculus japonicus and belonging to the Ranunculaceae family, is a perennial plant native to regions including Amur, Buryatiya, China North-Central, China South-Central, and China Southeast.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Skin Soothe
skintincture
Historically used for skin irritations.
Stress Relief
stresstea
Traditionally used to alleviate stress and anxiety.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mao Gen thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is a perennial shrub that grows up to 0.1 meters tall. Hardy in temperate regions, Mao Gen can be propagated through division of the roots. Keep the soil consistently moist for best growth. SKIP
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mao Gen for the first time
7steps
Start with basic care for Mao Gen, focusing on simple soil preparation and light watering.
- 1
What you'll need
A small container or garden bed, quality potting mix if planting in a container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the ground is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots into your prepared container or garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging but ensure the soil stays moist. Keep in a partially shaded area.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, keep the soil consistently moist, and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems after flowering to maintain plant health and appearance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Mao Gen (Ranunculus japonicus) are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. They are often prepared in salads for their mild flavor or steamed as a side dish. Skip the deep-frying to avoid potential toxicity from the plant's toxic compounds.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 20 native
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanLaosSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Nansei-shoto, Sakhalin, Tuva, Yakutskiya, Primorye
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 (Ranunculaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ranunculaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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