Herb: Aspidistra


Latin name: Aspidistra elatior


Synonyms: Aspidistra lurida


Family: Convallariaceae



Medicinal use of Aspidistra:

The roots, stems and leaves are febrifuge, styptic and tonic. Strengthens bones and muscles. A decoction of the root, stems or leaves is used in the treatment of abdominal cramps, amenorrhoea, diarrhoea, myalgia, traumatic injuries and urinary stones.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

An understory plant, found growing in forests beneath Ardisia crenata and Castanopsis sieboldii.

Other uses of Aspidistra:

Aspidistras can be grown as a ground cover in a shady position.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least their first winter in the greenhouse. Plant them out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division as the plant comes into growth in the spring. Suckers. Best removed in the autumn and grown on in the greenhouse for the first winter.

Cultivation of Aspidistra:

An understory plant, found growing in forests beneath Ardisia crenata and Castanopsis sieboldii.

Known hazards of Aspidistra elatior:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.