Polygonatum odoratum var. thunbergii

(C. Morris & Decne.) Hara

Angular Solomon's seal, Variegated Solomon's seal

Asparagaceae Edible: Leaves, Root Potential hazards — see below 19,861 iNaturalist observations

gbif· cc-by

Meise Botanic Garden

Summary

Polygonatum odoratum (syn. P. officinale), the angular Solomon's seal or scented Solomon's seal, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae, native to Europe, the Caucasus, Siberia, the Russian Far East, China, Mongolia, Korea, Nepal and Japan. In the United Kingdom it is one of three native species of the genus, the others being P. multiflorum and P. verticillatum. The genus name Polygonatum comes from the Greek words "poly", meaning "many", and "gonu", meaning "knee joint". This is in reference to the plant's jointed rhizomes. The Latin specific epithet odoratum means "scented".

Description

An herbaceous perennial in the Asparagaceae family (also classified in Convallariaceae) found in temperate regions. It is one of approximately 50 Polygonatum species.

Edible Uses

The leaves and roots are edible.

Known Hazards

Polygonatum odoratum is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Traditional Korean medicine, where it is called yùzhú (玉竹) and dunggulle (둥굴레) respectively. In Korea, the root of the plant is used to make tea. This plant species is described in the work Plantas Medicinales (medicinal plants) of Pius Font i Quer. According to it, its rhizome contains asparagine, mucilage, a cardio-tonic glycoside, saponin, and quinine gluconate. It has been used for intestinal problems and pain, for rheumatism, gout, water retention, and as a diuretic. He says that the scientific medicine has used it to treat diabetes. He also describes a digestive liquor that uses the rhizome of this plant. The young shoots of the plants may be boiled and served like asparagus. The stems, leaves, and berries, however, must be treated with caution, as they are thought to be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Its rhizome contains scattered raphides, but only in the cortex (outer layer).

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Britain, Egypt, Europe, Japan, North Africa, Spain,

Notes

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

Synonyms

Polygonatum giganteum var. thunbergii (C.Morren & Decne.) Maxim.Polygonatum japonicum C.Morren & Decne.Polygonatum odoratum var. japonicum (C.Morren & Decne.) H.HaraPolygonatum officinale var. japonicum (C.Morren & Decne.) Miq.Polygonatum thunbergii C.Morren & Decne.Polygonatum vulgare var. japonicum (C.Morren & Decne.) Franch. & Sav.