Anemarrhena asphodeloides

The only member of its genus, A. asphodeloides resembles an asphodel in appearance, as its name suggests, and is night-flowering. This attractive plant has potential as an ornamental, but is little known in the West. Though neither widespread nor common, it has largely been collected in the wild for medicinal use. A. asphodeloides was first recorded in traditional Chinese medicine c.CE200. It contains steroidal saponins, including asphonin, that has proven anti-pyretic effects. Studies are being carried out in China aiming to establish it as a cultivated crop.

Rhizomatous perennial with linear leaves, 20cm (8in) long and 5cm (2in) wide. Small, yellow-white, 6-petaled, night-scented flowers, are born in spikes 1m (3ft) tall from late summer to autumn, followed by globose capsules, containing one or two triangular black seeds.

Common Name:	Anemarrhena asphodeloides
Botanical Name:	Anemarrhena asphodeloides
Genus:	Anemarrhena
Family:	Asphodelaceae
Native Location:	Japan and N China
Cultivation:	Moist soil in partial shade.
Propagation:	By division in spring.
Harvest:	Rhizomes are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	45cm-1m (1½-3ft)
:Width	Indefinite
Hardiness:	Z3-6
Parts Used:	Rhizomes (zhi mu)
Properties:	A bitter, mucilaginous, tonic herb that has expectorant and diuretic effects, lowers fever, reduces blood sugar levels, and clears bacterial and fungal infections.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for high fever in infectious diseases, tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and urinary problems. Not given to patients with diarrhea. Excess may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Externally as a mouthwash for mouth ulcers. Therapeutic action is slightly altered by cooking with wine or salt.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 121