Herb latin name: Asparagus adscendens


Family: Asparagaceae



Medicinal use of Asparagus adscendens:

The roots are demulcent, diaphoretic, galactogogue and stimulant. They are useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and general debility.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Found especially in Sal forests in Uttar Pradesh.

Edible parts of Asparagus adscendens:

The plant is a source of a nutritious starch that can be used like salep (which is obtained from various species of orchid). The part of the plant that is used is not specified but is most likely to be the root. To make salep, the root is dried and ground into a powder. The young shoots are probably edible, used like asparagus.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°C. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Cultivation of Asparagus adscendens:

Found especially in Sal forests in Uttar Pradesh.

Known hazards of Asparagus adscendens:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.