Polygonatum kingianum

Collett & Hemsl.

King's solomon seal

Asparagaceae Edible: Rhizome, Tuber Potential hazards — see below 19 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-sa

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Tall perennial reaching 2 m in height. Flowers April to May with seed maturation September to October. Self-fertile hermaphrodite adapted to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with well-drained preference. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH. Grows in full shade or semi-shade with moist soil preference.

Description

A herb. The rhizome is 1-3 cm thick. The stems are erect and 1-3 m tall. The leaves are in rings of 3-10. They are narrow. They are 6-20 cm long y 1-3 cm wide. There are 2-4 flowers in a group. They hang down. They are pink or white.

Edible Uses

No edible uses are known for this plant.

Traditional Uses

The rhizomes or tubers are eaten raw or cooked by frying or in stews. They are also used for tonic soups.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The root is antiseptic and vasodilatory. Its use is associated with prevention of atherosclerosis and fatty infiltration of the liver. It is used in the treatment of dry coughs caused by chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as fatigue and poor appetite.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus are believed to have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests and on shaded, moist grassy slopes between 700-3,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam,

Cultivation

We do not have much information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture-retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but they tolerate most other conditions. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs. Hybridizes with other members of this genus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, seedlings may not come true to type, and it takes several years for plants to reach a good size. When large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and grow on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division can be done in March or October. Larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller divisions are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.

Other Uses

None known.

Other Information

It is sold in local markets.

Also Known As

Bing du lu, Huo pi da quo, Ma wei gen

References (2)

Cao, Y., et al, 2020, Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants used by three trans-boundary ethnic groups in Jiangcheng County, Pu’er, Southwest China. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2020) 16:66
Wujisguleng, W., et al, 2012, Ethnobotanical review of food uses of Polygonatum (Convallariaceae) in China. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 81(4):239-244