Herb latin name: Polygonatum cirrhifolium


Family: Convallariaceae



Medicinal use of Polygonatum cirrhifolium:

The roots are cardiotonic, sialagogue, stimulant and tonic. The roots are used in Tibetan medicine where they are said to have a sweet taste and a neutral potency. Antitussive, carminative and tonic, they promote bodily heat and dry up serous fluids. They are used in the treatment of loss of vigour, pain in the kidneys and hips, swelling and fullness in the abdominal region, accumulation of fluids in bone joints, skin eruptions and coughs.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Flowering:
May to
July

Habitat of the herb:

Forests, shrubberies and open slopes, 1500 - 3700 metres westwards from Himachel Pradesh.

Edible parts of Polygonatum cirrhifolium:

Tender leaves and young shoots - cooked as a vegetable. They can be used as an asparagus substitute.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position 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 March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation of Polygonatum cirrhifolium:

Forests, shrubberies and open slopes, 1500 - 3700 metres westwards from Himachel Pradesh.

Known hazards of Polygonatum cirrhifolium:

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus are believed to have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.