Asparagus adscendens

Physical Characteristics

Asparagus adscendens is an evergreen Shrub. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Afghanistan, Himalayas, Iran.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Shoots Stem Edible Uses: The plant is a source of a nutritious starch that can be used like salep (which is obtained from various species of orchid)[2, 177]. The part of the plant that is used is not specified but is most likely to be the root[K]. To make salep, the root is dried and ground into a powder[K]. The young shoots are probably edible, used like asparagus[K].

Medicinal Uses

Demulcent Diaphoretic Dysentery Galactogogue Stimulant The roots are demulcent, diaphoretic, galactogogue and stimulant[61, 158, 240]. They are useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and general debility[240].

Known Hazards

None known