Fallopia multiflora aka Tuber Fleeceflower

Fallopia multiflora is considered an undemanding climber once established. It tolerates light, medium, or heavy soils across a mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH range, grows in semi-shade or full sun, and is hardy to about -15°C (USDA zones 6–9). It "repays generous treatment" but does not require it, and is reportedly immune to rabbit damage.

A vigorous herbaceous perennial vine arising from a woody tuber, with twining stems about 2–4 cm in diameter that climb to roughly 4.5 m. Once established it spreads readily and can be difficult to remove.

Native to central and southern China (including Hainan and Taiwan), Vietnam, and Thailand, where it grows on mountain slopes, in rock crevices and valley thickets, and along stream banks at elevations of roughly 200–3,000 m.

Hardy to at least -15°C when dormant, corresponding to USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Performs best in temperate climates where the rootstock can go fully dormant in winter.

Fallopia multiflora prefers a moisture-retentive but not-too-fertile soil. It is reported to "repay generous treatment," so a moderate spring feed of balanced organic fertiliser is sufficient — avoid heavy nitrogen, which encourages weak, vining growth at the expense of root development.

Small white to greenish-white flowers about 6–7 mm across are produced in dense panicles 10–20 cm long from late summer to mid-autumn (PFAF gives September–October), and are pollinated by insects. Although individually inconspicuous, the panicles are showy in mass.

The species has a complex synonymy and is found in commerce under several genus names, including Polygonum multiflorum Thunberg, Reynoutria multiflora (the EPPO-accepted name), Pleuropterus multiflorus, and Fallopia multiflora. Additional synonyms include Pleuropterus cordatus, Polygonum hypoleucum, Aconogonon hypoleucum, and Bilderdykia multiflora. It is widely sold as "He shou wu" or, less accurately, as "fo-ti." No widely recognised cultivars are documented for ornamental use.

Grow outdoors in temperate gardens within USDA zones 6–9. The species tolerates a wide range of soils (light, medium, heavy) and pH (mildly acid to mildly alkaline), with a preference for moisture-retentive ground in sun or part shade. Provide a sturdy support such as a fence, trellis, or pergola for the twining stems, and be aware that the plant can spread vigorously by its rhizomatous roots and is hard to remove once established — site it where vigorous growth is welcome, or contain the rootstock with a buried barrier.

Alternatively, divide the rootstock in spring or autumn — pot smaller divisions on until they are well established, then plant out. The rhizomatous habit makes division the more reliable method for true-to-type plants.

Few specific pests or diseases are reported in the cultivation literature for Fallopia multiflora. The plant is noted as immune to rabbit damage and is generally robust once established.

Insect-pollinated. The dense panicles of small white-to-greenish flowers are visited by general pollinators such as bees and flies attracted to the typical Polygonaceae flower form.

The flowers, leaves, seeds, and cooked root are all reported as edible, but PFAF rates overall edibility only 2/5: the root is bitter and has historically been treated as a famine food requiring repeated washing to leach out astringency, and the seeds are small and inconvenient to use. Most ingestion of this plant is medicinal rather than culinary, and the root in particular should not be eaten raw or in any quantity given documented hepatotoxicity.

Fallopia multiflora (He shou wu) is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is one of the most important tonics in traditional Chinese medicine, with reported actions including antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, antispasmodic, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent, hypoglycaemic, laxative, sedative, and tonic. Folk uses include treating high cholesterol, menstrual and menopausal complaints, constipation, ringworm, insomnia, and (with long-term use) graying hair. PFAF rates its medicinal value 3/5 and Useful Tropical Plants 4/5.

However, contemporary peer-reviewed clinical literature documents the species as a well-recognised cause of herb-induced liver injury, attributed to stilbene glucosides such as 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG) and to anthraquinones (emodin, aloe-emodin) acting through an immune-mediated/idiosyncratic mechanism rather than purely dose-dependent toxicity. Excessive doses are also reported to cause skin rash, numbness of the extremities, and photosensitivity. Medicinal use should be undertaken only with qualified medical supervision.

PFAF rates non-edible, non-medicinal "other uses" 0/5, and no industrial, ornamental-by-product, or material uses are documented in the consulted sources. The plant is grown almost exclusively for traditional medicine, with edibility a distant secondary use.

Tuber Fleeceflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Tuber Fleeceflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Tuber Fleeceflower requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Tuber Fleeceflower will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.