King's solomon seal
Polygonatum kingianum
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A herb. The rhizome is 1-3 cm thick. The stems are erect and 1-3 m tall. The leaves are in rings of 3-10. They are narrow. They are 6-20 cm long y 1-3 cm wide. There are 2-4 flowers in a group. They hang down. They are pink or white.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests and on shaded, moist grassy slopes between 700-3,600 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, India, Indochina, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The rhizomes or tubers are eaten raw or cooked by frying or in stews. They are also used for tonic soups.
It is sold in local markets.
Edible parts
Rhizome, tuber
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Bing du lu, Huo pi da quo, Ma wei gen