Disporopsis longifolia
Family: Liliaceae
What it is like
Disporopsis longifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to December. 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): 1
Where it is found
Forests, forest margins and thickets at elevations of 100 - 1800 metres in Guangxi and Yunnan Provinces..Wet places in mountainous regions in Vietnam.
E. Asia - southwestern China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The rhizome is anodyne, tonic. It is used in Vietnam in the treatment of general debility, fatigue, anorexia, lumbago, arthralgia and dry throat. The rhizome is harvested in the late summer when the fruit forms, soaked in molasses, steamed and then 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 could 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