Love Apple Paris polyphylla
ABOUT
Paris polyphylla, also known as love apple, is a perennial herbaceous plant that is noteworthy for its unique whorled leaves and solitary flower structure. The leaves of this plant are a deep, rich green and are arranged in a distinctive spiral or tiered fashion around the central stem, typically with many leaflets per whorl. The texture of the leaves is somewhat smooth with subtly pronounced veins. The love apple shines particularly with its flower, which emerges on a single stalk above the whorl of leaves. The bloom itself is composed of multiple narrow, elongated petals that are typically greenish-white or yellowish and exhibit a star-like pattern. At the center of the flower, there are numerous stamens and a single, prominent style that stands out from the core. This central style is surrounded by a ring of stamens, creating an intricate floral display. After the flowering season, the plant produces a fleshy, berry-like fruit. This fruit usually has a dark purple or black color when ripe and contains several seeds inside. The overall impression of Paris polyphylla is one of an elegant and exotic plant, with its ordered leaf arrangement and the unique, architectural quality of its flower and fruit making it quite distinctive in appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Melanthiaceae
Synonyms
Love Apple, Paris Weed, Poisonous Paris, True Lover's Knot
Common names
Paris chinensis, Daiswa polyphylla, Kinugasa japonica, Paris bournei, Paris mairei, Paris polyphylla var. chinensis, Paris polyphylla var. stenophylla, Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis, Paris thibetica.
ToxicityTo humans
Paris polyphylla, commonly known as love apple, contains steroid saponins which are toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of love apple poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. It is important to avoid consuming this plant and to seek medical attention immediately if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Love apple is also toxic to pets due to its steroid saponin content. If pets ingest any part of this plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to seizures, difficulty breathing, or even death. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if a pet is suspected of ingesting love apple.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Green
Height
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control: Paris polyphylla's dense root systems can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes and in disturbed areas.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The plant provides a natural habitat for various forms of wildlife, including insects and small animals, contributing to biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its deep green foliage and distinct star-shaped flowers, Paris polyphylla adds a unique visual interest to gardens and wild settings.
- Traditional Uses: While excluding medical applications, Paris polyphylla has been used in traditional practices for various non-medical applications like crafting and cultural rituals.
- Soil Health: The extensive root system of the Paris polyphylla can contribute to soil aeration and nutrient cycling, improving overall soil health.
- Educational Interest: Because of its unique morphology, Paris polyphylla is of interest in educational settings, providing a learning opportunity about plant biology and ecology.
- Conservation: Paris polyphylla is sometimes cultivated and sold as part of conservation efforts to decrease the harvesting pressure on wild populations.
Medical Properties- Antitumor: Paris polyphylla has been used in traditional medicine systems for its potential antitumor activities.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds found in the plant may have anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating various inflammatory conditions.
- Antibacterial: Extracts from Paris polyphylla have exhibited antibacterial effects against certain bacterial strains in research studies.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain antioxidant compounds that help in protecting the body against oxidative stress and related diseases.
- Antiparasitic: The rhizome of Paris polyphylla has been used to treat parasitic infections such as those caused by helminths.
- Analgesic: Some traditional use suggests the plant has pain-relieving properties.
- Hemostatic: In some traditional medicine systems, the plant is used to stop bleeding.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural insect repellent: Paris polyphylla can sometimes be used to deter insects naturally due to its unique smell and properties.
- In traditional dyeing processes: The roots of Paris polyphylla have historically been used to create a natural dye for textiles.
- As an ornamental plant: With its distinctive whorled leaves and star-shaped flowers, Paris polyphylla is sometimes cultivated as a decorative plant in gardens.
- In flower arrangements: The unusual structure of Paris polyphylla's flowers makes them an interesting addition to floral displays and bouquets.
- As a component in perfumery: The subtle fragrance of Paris polyphylla may be used in the crafting of unique perfumes.
- As part of a natural pesticide: Extracts from Paris polyphylla are at times used in natural pesticide formulations to combat certain plant pests.
- For educational purposes: The distinctive morphology of Paris polyphylla makes it an excellent specimen for botanical study and educational purposes in schools and universities.
- In cultural rituals: In some cultures, Paris polyphylla may play a role in traditional rituals or as a symbolic plant within certain communities.
- As a companion plant: Paris polyphylla might be used in agriculture to support other plant species, due to its potential beneficial interactions in a mixed planting system.
- In conservation efforts: The plant can be a part of biodiversity conservation strategies and initiatives due to its rarity and the role it plays in local ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Paris polyphylla is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Paris polyphylla is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing Powers: Paris polyphylla, commonly known as Love Apple, is believed to possess medicinal properties in traditional medicine systems, symbolizing healing and the treatment of various ailments.
- Mysterious Allure: With its unique whorled leaves and solitary flower, Love Apple represents mystery and exotic beauty. It is often associated with the secret wonders of the natural world.
- Balancing Forces: In some cultures, Love Apple is thought to embody balance due to the symmetrical arrangement of its leaves, conveying the idea of harmony and equilibrium.
- Protection: Due to its usage in traditional medicine to ward off sickness, Love Apple also symbolizes protection against harm and negative influences.
WaterLove Apple (Paris polyphylla) prefers consistently moist soil, but it's crucial to avoid oversaturation. Water this woodland plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically means supplying about one to two gallons of water per week, depending on climate and soil drainage. In periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote fungal diseases. Decrease watering during the dormant season in the winter to prevent root rot, as the plant will require less moisture at that time.
LightThe Love Apple thrives best in dappled shade, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. It should be placed in a spot where it receives filtered sunlight or partial shade throughout the day. Direct sunlight can be too intense and may cause the leaves to scorch, while deep shade can result in leggy growth and poor flowering. The ideal lighting condition for Love Apple is a sheltered location that gets bright but indirect light, protected from the harsh midday sun.
TemperatureLove Apple (Paris polyphylla) does well in a temperature range between 50°F and 70°F, which is close to its natural cool woodland conditions. It can tolerate temperatures down to about 40°F but should be protected from frost, as extreme cold can damage or kill the plant. Similarly, temperatures above 80°F can cause stress. Ideally, keep the Love Apple in an environment where the temperature remains fairly stable within its preferred range for optimal growth.
PruningLove Apple (Paris polyphylla) generally requires minimal pruning. It should be pruned to remove dead or damaged leaves and to maintain its natural shape. This can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning at this time minimizes stress on the plant and promotes healthy growth throughout the season. There's no need to prune this plant frequently; once a year should be sufficient unless there's noticeable dead or damaged foliage.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLove Apple, or Chong Lou, thrives best in a rich, well-draining soil mix with high organic matter; a mixture of leaf mold, coarse sand, and loam is ideal. The preferred soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingLove Apples should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and give room for root growth. It is best to repot in spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy.
Humidity & MistingLove Apple prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%, to thrive. This plant is native to understory forest habitats and benefits from a moist atmosphere.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Love Apple in bright indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Grow Love Apple in shaded areas with moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleParis polyphylla, commonly known as Love Apple, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires a period of stratification, a cold treatment to break dormancy, before germination can occur. Upon successful germination, typically in moist, shady environments, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As it matures, Love Apple establishes a rhizomatous root system that allows for vegetative propagation and clonal growth. When reaching reproductive maturity, which can take several years, the plant produces a singular, tall flowering stalk in the center of the leaf rosette bearing a small number of greenish to purplish flowers in a whorled arrangement. After pollination, often by insects, these flowers develop into berries that contain the seeds for the next generation. Once seed dispersal occurs, the cycle repeats, while the parent plant may enter a period of dormancy over winter, only to resume growth in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Paris polyphylla, commonly known as Love Apple, is best propagated through seed sowing. The ideal time for sowing seeds is during the fall or early spring. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to break dormancy; this can be achieved by mixing the seeds with moist sand and storing them in a refrigerator at about 34 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 degrees Celsius) for a period of 2 to 3 months. After cold stratification, seeds are sown in well-draining soil at a shallow depth of around 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Germination can be slow and may take several weeks to months, so patience is key. Seedlings should be grown in a shaded or semi-shaded area until they are strong enough to be transplanted to their permanent locations.
