Practical
Plants

Polygonatum kingianum

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, some members of this genus are believed to have poisonous fruits and seeds.

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The root is antiseptic and vasodilator[1]. Its use prevents atherosclerosis and fatty infiltration in the liver[1]. It is used in the treatment of dry coughs due to chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis, fatigue and poor appetite[1].

Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Vasodilator

Environment

Range
E. Asia - China.
Habitat
Forests, thickets, shaded moist grassy slopes and rocks at elevations from 700 - 3600 metres in Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces[4].
Light
partial sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[2]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[2] and it takes a few years for them to reach a good size. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position 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 March or October. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation

We do not have much information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture-retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[2]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but they tolerate most other conditions[2]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[3]. The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs[K]. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[2].

References

  1. Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  3. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  4. Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/

    ↩

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