Mondo grass, Creeping Lily-turf
Ophiopogon japonicus

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a perennial plant. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 45 cm wide. It has stolons or runners. The roots are moderately thick usually with a tuber near the middle or tip. It forms clumps. The leaves are in tufts at the base. They are grass like. They are 10-50 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The flowering stalk is reduced. It is 2-5 cm long. There can be 10 flowers. The seeds are round and 7-8 mm across.

There are about 20-65 Ophiopogon species. The tubers are used in medicine. Also put in the family Convallariaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in dense shady places near cliffs and streams between 200 and 2800 m altitude in China. Melbourne Botanical gardens. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Pacific, SE Asia, Singapore, Slovenia, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The tuberous roots are occasionally eaten. They must have the bitterness removed.

They are classed as a famine food in China. It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Root, tubers, tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or division of the plant.

Its other names

Local names

Alang hijau kecil, Dwarf lily turf, Fountain plant, Ja-no-hige, Japanese hyacinth, Japonska kačja brada, Mai dong, Ryu-no-hige, Winter wheat

Synonyms

Anemarrhena cavaleriei H. Leveille nom illeg.; Convallaria japonica L.; Convallaria japonica var. minor Thunb.; Flueggea japonica (L.f.) Richard; Mondo japonicum (L.f.) Farwell; Mondo stolonifer (H.Leveille& Vaniot) Farwell; Ophiopogon argyi H. Leveille; Ophiopogon chekiangensis Koiti Kimura & Migo; Ophiopogon stolonifer H.Leveille & Vaniot; Slateria japonica (L.f.) Desvaux;