Polygonatum macropodum
Turcz.
Re he huang jing, Imaan orhodai
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(c) Charles, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Charles
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(c) Jinmin Li, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Jinmin Li
Summary
A perennial herb growing to 1 m tall with hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by bees, flowering May to June with seeds ripening by September. Self-fertile and adaptable to light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage across mildly acid, neutral, or basic pH ranges. Prefers moist conditions and tolerates both full shade in deep woodland and semi-shade in light woodland.
Description
A herb. It has rhizomes of underground stems. They are 1-2 cm thick. The stem is erect and 30-100 cm high. The leaves are alternate. The leaf stalk is very short. The leaf blade is oval and 4-8 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowering stalk has 5-12 flowers. The flowers hang over. They are white or reddish. The fruit is a berry. It is deep blue and 7-11 mm across. There are 7 or 8 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 have poisonous fruits and seeds.
Distribution
A temperate plant. It grows in forests and on shaded slopes between 400-1500 m altitude in N China.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Manchuria, Mongolia,
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 in most 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.
Notes
There are about 50 Polygonatum species. Also put in the family Convallariaceae.
Synonyms
References (6)
- Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou 5:205. 1832
- Chen Xinqi, Liang Songyun, Xu Jiemei, Tamura M.N., Liliaceae. Flora of China. p 158
- Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 319
- Khasbagan, Hu-Yin Huai, and Sheng-Ji pei, 2000, Wild Plants in the Diet of Athorchin Mongol Herdsmen in Inner Mongolia. Economic Botany 54(4): 528-536
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Show all 6 references Hide references
- Wujisguleng, W., et al, 2012, Ethnobotanical review of food uses of Polygonatum (Convallariaceae) in China. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 81(4):239-244
