Polygonatum inflatum

Komarov

Mao tong yu zhu

Asparagaceae Edible: Leaves, Root Potential hazards — see below 51 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Perennial growing to 0.6 m tall. Flowers May through July with seed ripening August to September. Self-fertile hermaphrodite with bee pollination. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils preferring well-drained conditions. Tolerates mildly acidic through basic pH levels. Thrives in full shade or semi-shade environments with moist soil preference.

Description

A herb. It has rhizomes or underground stems. These are 6-10 mm thick. The stem arches over. It is 50-80 cm high. There are 5-9 leaves. They are alternate. The leaf stalk is 0.5-1.5 cm long. The leaf blade is oval and 8-16 cm long by 7-9 cm wide. The flowering stalk has 2 to 3 flowers. The fruit are blue black berries. They are 1-1.2 cm across. There are 9-13 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 rhizomes are cleaned, parboiled, drained and partially dried and rubbed between the hands. It is the sliced and cooked with other foods.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

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 forest margins from near sea level to 1000 m altitude in N China.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria,

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 should succeed outdoors at least in the milder 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 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.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Stem	—	—	1.7	—	—	—	—	—

Synonyms

Polygonatum inflatum var. rotundifolium Hatusima

References (5)

Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 157
Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 319
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Trudy Imp. S.-Peterburgsk. Bot. Sada 18:442. 1901
Wujisguleng, W., et al, 2012, Ethnobotanical review of food uses of Polygonatum (Convallariaceae) in China. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 81(4):239-244