Chinese Asparagus

Asparagus cochinchinensis

Physical Characteristics

Asparagus cochinchinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in September. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Root Edible Uses: Tubers - cooked[1, 61, 177]. The tubers are up to 5cm long and 2m wide[266]. They are washed to remove the bitterness, the fibrous core is removed and the root is then boiled[46, 179]. It tastes like asparagus[22]. Another report says that the tubers are eaten after preserving in sugar[183]. The fruit is said to be edible[183]. The fruit is about 6 - 8mm in diameter[200]. Another report says that the berries are harmful if eaten[238].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antiinflammatory Antipyretic Antiseptic Antitussive Cancer Diuretic Expectorant Infertility Nervine Sialagogue Stomachic Tonic This species has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years[238]. The roots contain asparagine, mucilage, starch and sugars[283]. The dried root is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, sialagogue, stomachic, nervous stimulant and tonic[176, 178, 218, 238, 279]. It is taken internally in the treatment of fevers, debility, sore throats, coughs etc[238]. It is often decocted with other herbs and used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including diabetes mellitus[218]. It is commonly used in restorative recipes together with Rehmannia glutinosa and Codonopsis javanica[283]. Prolonged usage is recommended for the treatment of impotence[218]. The root is harvested when the plant is dormant and is dried for later use[238]. The plant has a folk history for the treatment of cancer, modern research has detected antitumour activity and it is now being studied for the treatment of lung cancer[218].

Known Hazards

None known