Herb latin name: Liriope minor


Family: Convallariaceae



Medicinal use of Liriope minor:

The root is aphrodisiac, pectoral and stimulant.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
June
to July

Habitat of the herb:

Lowland and foothills all over Japan. Forests, shady hillsides and grassy slopes at elevations of 600 - 2600 metres.

Edible parts of Liriope minor:

The following use is reported for L. graminifolia, but there is a lot of confusion between members of this genus (compare and ) and it is quite possible that the root of this species is also used. Root - cooked. Candied and used medicinally. The root has a fleshy, tuberous part near tip. Rich in mucilage, the root also contains about 1.6% protein, 0.5% fat, 80% carbohydrate and 2.3% ash.

Other uses of the herb:

A good drought tolerant evergreen ground cover plant.

Propagation of Liriope minor:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it in a cold frame or greenhouse as soon as the seed is ripe if possible, if not then sowing the stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Lowland and foothills all over Japan. Forests, shady hillsides and grassy slopes at elevations of 600 - 2600 metres.

Known hazards of Liriope minor:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.