Liriope minor
Family: Convallariaceae
What it is like
Liriope minor is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Lowland and foothills all over Japan. Forests, shady hillsides and grassy slopes at elevations of 600 - 2600 metres.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
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.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The root is aphrodisiac, pectoral and stimulant.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Stimulant: Excites or quickens activity of the physiological processes. Faster acting than a tonic but differing from a narcotic in that it does not give a false sense of well-being.
Other
Rating: 2
A good drought tolerant evergreen ground cover plant.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Prefers a sandy soil. Succeeds in full sun so long as the soil does not dry out in the summer, otherwise it should be grown in partial shade in any moderately fertile well-drained soil. Not very hardy in Britain, it is best to give the plants some protection in the winter. Closely related to L. muscari. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist