Identification
A climbing shrub, growing upright or extending to 2-7 meters in length; branching; young bark is green, aging to a grayish-brown; numerous sharp spines present.
Leaves are palmately compound; petiole 2.5-3.5 cm long, with spines; 3-5 leaflets, ranging from oblong-ovate with serrated margins to oblong with sharp spines on the margin (var. setosus Li); the central leaflet typically larger than the lateral leaflets; leaflet size generally 4-8 x 1.5-3 cm. Inflorescence a umbel-like raceme, growing at the branch tips; flowers yellowish-white or off-white, with slender pedicels 0.7-1 cm long. Calyx 5-lobed, small; petals 5, triangular with rounded tips. Stamens 5, filaments longer than the petals. Ovary 2-celled, stigma bifid. Fruit spherical, slightly flattened, turning purplish-black when ripe. Contains 1-2 small seeds. Crushed stem bark, root bark, and leaves have a distinctive aroma. This species in Vietnam has 2 varieties: Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Voss. var. trifoliatus and A. trifoliatus (L.) Voss. var. setosus Li.
Biology and Ecology
Flowering occurs August-September; fruiting occurs September-December. Natural propagation is primarily by seed; the plant exhibits strong regenerative ability after cutting. The plant prefers moist, sunny conditions and can tolerate some shade, typically forming thickets along the edges of moist limestone forests, stream banks, or cultivated fields; found at elevations from 350-1600 meters.
Distribution
Vietnam: Lai Châu, Sơn La, Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Hoà Bình, Thanh Hoá, Nghệ An, Quảng Nam.
Global: India, China, Japan, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia.
Value
Stem bark and roots are used as a tonic, with effects that stimulate digestion and relieve bone and joint pain. Leaves are used to make tea; fresh leaves are used to bind broken bones.
Status
As a medicinal plant with widespread use, it has been heavily exploited. The plant is also threatened by deforestation and agricultural expansion, becoming increasingly rare.
Classification
EN A1a,c,d + 2c,d
Conservation Measures
Listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (1996) with a threat level of “Threatened” (T). Emphasize comprehensive protection of the limestone mountain forest area of Trùng Khánh (Cao Bằng). Only harvest plants with a diameter greater than 1.5 cm; leave a 10 cm stump for regeneration. Encourage cultivation as a fence around gardens and fields; propagate by cuttings and seeds.