Polygonatum humile -

Family:	Convallariaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - N. China, Japan, Korea.

Polygonatum humile () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m . It has a hardness rating of 5.
Polygonatum humile will flower in November to December. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Bees, self

Soil Information

Polygonatum humile will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important 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
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Polygonatum humile prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Polygonatum humile can grow in full or semi shaded areas.

Meadows and thin woods in lowland, C. and N. Japan[58].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Works within dappled Shade
• Grows in a shady edge
• Is suited to a deeply shaded location

Cultivation Details

Prefers a fertile humus rich moisture retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants are intolerant of heat and drought but tolerate most other conditions[200]. This species is hardy to about -20°c[187]. Closely related to P. hirtum[200]. Closely allied to P. odoratum. Plants are often mistakenly grown as P. falcatum[187]. The rhizomes are slender and creeping, the plant forming spreading colonies[187]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Young shoots are very attractive to slugs. Hybridizes with other members of this genus[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Young shoots - cooked. They can be used as an asparagus substitute. Root - cooked[105]. Rich in starch.

• Leaves -
• Root - includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The roots are antiperiodic, antirheumatic, demulcent, refrigerant, sedative, sialagogue and tonic[218].

• Antiperiodic - Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
• Antirheumatic - Treats rheumatism.
• Demulcent - Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
• Refrigerant - Cools the body.
• Sedative - Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
• Sialagogue - Stimulates the secretion of saliva.
• Tonic - Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a shady part of a cold greenhouse[200]. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. Germination can be slow, they may not come true to type[200] 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.

Known Hazards

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

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

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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