Common Name:

General Information

Polygonatum kingianum is a herbaceous perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock. It produces a cluster of unbranched, erect stems from 1 - 3 metres tall with a somewhat climbing habit[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

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.

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southeast China (Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan and Yunnan), Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam

Habitat

Forests, thickets, shaded moist grassy slopes and rocks; at elevations from 700 - 3,600 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally prefer a fertile humus rich moisture-retentive well-drained soil in cool shade or semi-shade[]. They are intolerant of heat and drought but they tolerate most other conditions[].
Especially in areas where winters are cold, the shallow rhizomes of this species will benefit from the protection given by a deep mulch of leafmould[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].
The young shoots of most members of this genus are very attractive to slugs[].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

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

The rhizome is considered as a tonic and has a beneficial effect in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, dry cough and heamoptysis. It relieves general debility, lumbago and rheumatic pains. It is available in the form of a powder, decoction or alcoholic maceration[]

The rhizomes, collected in autumn, are well washed, steam·cooked.then dried in the sun or in ovens. Before use, they are boiled with molasses then dried. This process is repeated 9 times[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

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