Disporopsis aspersa
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
Disporopsis aspersa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Forests, shady places along valleys or streams at elevations of 700 - 2900 metres.
E. Asia - western China in Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Yunnan Provinces
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The rhizome is tonic. It is used in Vietnam in the treatment of general debility, persistent fever, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, polyuria, spermatorrhoea, dry cough and thirst. The rhizome is harvested in the late summer when the fruit forms, and is dried for later use.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain, though judging by its native range it is likely to be hardy at least in the milder areas of the country.
Propagating it: Seed -
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist