Solomon's seal
Polygonatum cirrhifolium

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows to about 1-2 m high. The stem is grooved. The leaves do not have leaf stalks. The leaves occur in rings of 3-6. They are 12-16.5 cm long and 0.2-0.7 cm wide. They are narrow and sword shaped. They are curled at the tip. The edges of the leaves are rolled in. The flowers are white. They are arranged as equal stalks flowers along a stalk. The fruit are red berries.

There are about 50 Polygonatum species. Also put in the family Convallariaceae.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1700-4600 m altitude. It grows in Yunnan in China. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The tender leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable. They are boiled and eaten with Chilli sauce. The rhizome is eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. It is also used as a tonic soup.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, stems, tuber, rhizome, root

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or root tubers.

Its other names

Local names

Bing du jiang, Huo pi da guo, Khirimla, Ma wei gen, Meda, Me ru xia, Ramsikia

Synonyms

Convallaria cirrhifolia Wall.; Polygonatum sibiricum Redoute;