Herb latin name: Liparis japonica


Synonyms: Microstylis japonica


Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid Family)



Edible parts of Liparis japonica:

Young leaves - cooked.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Woods all over Japan.

Propagation of Liparis japonica:

Seed - surface sow, preferably as soon as it is ripe, in the greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed of this species is extremely simple, it has a minute embryo surrounded by a single layer of protective cells. It contains very little food reserves and depends upon a symbiotic relationship with a species of soil-dwelling fungus. The fungal hyphae invade the seed and enter the cells of the embryo. The orchid soon begins to digest the fungal tissue and this acts as a food supply for the plant until it is able to obtain nutrients from decaying material in the soil. It is best to use some of the soil that is growing around established plants in order to introduce the fungus, or to sow the seed around a plant of the same species and allow the seedlings to grow on until they are large enough to move. Division in autumn. Make sure that you keep plenty of soil with each plant. It is also said to be possible to transplant orchids after they have flowered but whilst they are still in leaf.

Cultivation of the herb:

Woods all over Japan.

Medicinal use of Liparis japonica:

None known

Known hazards of Liparis japonica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.