Disporum cantoniense - (Lour.)Merr.
(Lour.)Merr.
gbif· cc-by-nc
Luca Boscain
gbif· cc-by-nc
Luca Boscain
gbif· cc-by-nc
Luca Boscain
Description
Disporum cantoniense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Tender leaves and young shoots - cooked. Used as a vegetable.
Medicinal Uses
Febrifuge. The juice of the roots is used in the treatment of fevers.
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas to China.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar (north), Thailand (north), Vietnam
Cultivation
Best grown in partial shade in a moist peaty or woodland soil. Plants spread rapidly by means of creeping rhizomes when they are grown in a leafy soil.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Use a lime-free compost and keep it moist. Stored seed requires 6 weeks cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Germination usually takes place within 3 - 6 months or more at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
