Anemarrhena asphodeloides - Zhi Mu

Family:	Asphodelaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.5
Width:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - N. China and Japan.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhi Mu) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.5m and a width of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Zhi Mu will flower in February to March. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Zhi Mu will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
Zhi Mu prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Mountain woodlands[174, 200].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade

Cultivation Details

Requires a rich moist neutral to acid soil that is rich in organic matter, in a position in partial or dappled shade[200]. Plants are tolerant of strong winds[174]. Plants can be naturalized in wild or woodland gardens and other moist shaded situations that approximate to their natural wooded mountain habitats[200]. This species is not hardy in all parts of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to at least -5°c[238]. This plant is occasionally cultivated in China as a medicinal herb[[174]. The fragrant flowers open in the evening[238].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 3/5
The rhizome is anti-fungal, antiseptic, bitter, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, laxative, lenitive, sedative and tonic[176, 238, 279]. It has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, B. paratyphi, Proteus and Pseudomonas[176]. It is taken internally in the treatment of high fevers in infectious diseases, TB, chronic bronchitis, diabetes and urinary problems[176, 238, 279]. It should not be given to patients with diarrhoea and should be administered with caution since when taken in excess it can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure[238]. Externally, it is used as a mouthwash in the treatment of ulcers[238]. The rhizome is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238].

• Antifungal - An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.
• Antiseptic - Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
• Bitter - Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
• Diuretic - Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
• Expectorant - Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
• Febrifuge - Reduces fevers.
• Hypoglycaemic - Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.
• Laxative - Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
• Lenitive - Soothing, palliative.
• Sedative - Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it usually germinates in the spring[200]. Stored seed should be sown in late winter or early spring in a cold frame[164]. It sometimes germinates within 1 - 3 months at 15°c, but may take a year. The seed should be completely separated from the fruit and should only just be covered by soil[164, 200]. If the seed has been sown thinly enough, then it is possible to leave the seedlings in the pot for their first growing season, dividing them after they become dormant. Make sure to give them liquid feeds at intervals through the spring and summer. Otherwise prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle. Plant out in late spring or early summer at the beginning of their second or third years growth. Division in spring as new growth is just commencing[200].

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The root contains about 6% saponins[240]. Saponins make an excellent soap, having a gentle cleansing effect on the skin and clothes without removing the natural body oils from the skin[K]. To extract the saponins it is usually sufficient to cut the root into thin slices and then gently simmer in water[K].

• Soap - Plants used directly as a soap substitute.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

Flora of China

Author:
Rating: http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Publisher : On-line version of the Flora - an excellent resource giving basic info on habitat and some uses.
Date of Publication : 1994

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