Polygonatum humile

Polygonatum humile, the dwarf Solomon's-seal, is a species of plant in the family Asparagaceae. The plant is said to possess scars on the rhizome that resemble the ancient Hebrew seal of King Solomon. This is a perennial species of the genus Polygonatum native to China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia and parts of Russia.

Description

A herb. It grows 15 cm tall. It has rhizomes or underground stems. They are 3-5 mm thick. The stem is erect. There are 7-9 leaves which are alternate. The leaf stalk is very short. The leaf blade is oval or oblong and 5.5-8.5 cm long by 1.5-4 cm wide. It tapers to the tip. The flowering stalk usually has one flower. The flowers hang down. The fruit are berries which are blue-black. They are about 1 cm across with 5-6 seeds.

Edible Uses

Young shoots are cooked and can be used as an asparagus substitute. The root is also cooked and is rich in starch.

Traditional Uses

The rhizome is eaten raw in salads or pickled. They are also cooked by frying, or adding to soups after blanching. The sprouts are eaten raw in salads or pickled. They are also cooked by frying or being added to soups after blanching.

Medicinal Uses

The roots are antiperiodic, antirheumatic, demulcent, refrigerant, sedative, sialagogue, and tonic.

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 temperate plant. It grows in forests and on grassy slopes between 800-2200 m altitude in N China.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions. This species is hardy to about -20°c. Closely related to P. hirtum. Closely allied to P. odoratum. Plants are often mistakenly grown as P. falcatum. The rhizomes are slender and creeping, the plant forming spreading colonies. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. Young shoots 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.

Notes

There are about 50 Polygonatum species. Also put in the family Convallariaceae.

Synonyms

References (6)

• Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 157
• Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 238
• Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
• Ryan, S., 2008, Dicksonia. Rare Plants Manual. Hyland House. p 109
• Urgamal, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Nyambayar, D. & Dulamsuren, Ch. 2014. Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia. (Editors: Sanchir, Ch. & Jamsran, Ts.). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

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Polygonatum multiflorum

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Polygonatum odoratum

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