Disporum viridescens
(Maxim.) Nakai
Bao zhu cao
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) V.S. Volkotrub, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by V.S. Volkotrub
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) yulli, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaDisporum viridescens is a species of flowering plant in the genus Disporum. Like other species in the genus, it grows from a rhizome. The plant is 30 to 80 cm (12 to 31 in), with a stem that may branch. The leaves are more-or-less ovate in shape with a very short petiole (stalk). One or two open flowers are borne at the ends of stems; they have greenish white tepals which are 1.5 to 2 cm (0.59 to 0.79 in) long. Flowering is in late spring to early summer (May to June in the northern hemisphere). Black berries around 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter appear a few months later. Plants grow in woodland or on grassy slopes at altitudes up to 600 m (2,000 ft) in northeastern China, eastern Russia, Japan, and Korea.
Description
A herb with a rhizome or underground stem. The rhizome is short. There are creeping stolons or runners. The roots are densely tufted. The stem is often branched. It can be 30-80 cm high. The leaf stalk is very short. The leaf blade is oval and 5-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowering stalk is at the end of the branch. There are 1 or 2 flowers. The flowers open widely. They are greenish-white. The fruit is a black berry. It is round and 1 cm across. There are 2 or 3 seeds. The seeds are red-brown and 4 mm across.
Edible Uses
Leaves are edible when cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests and on grassy slopes from near sea level to 600 m altitude in N China.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia,
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe, using lime-free compost kept consistently moist. Stored seed requires 6 weeks of cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Germination generally takes 3–6 months or more at 15°C. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and grow on under glass through at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division can be carried out in spring.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are 20 Disporum species.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 85
- Hwang, HS, et al, 2014, Distribution characteristics of plant in the Ungseokbong Mountain, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. 7(2014) e164-e178
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
