Snake's Beard, Dwarf lilyturf, Mondo Grass, Monkey Grass, Dwarf Lilyturf

Ophiopogon japonicus

Physical Characteristics

Ophiopogon japonicus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root[61]. A bitterness should be removed according to some reports[105, 177] whilst another says that it is sweet and aromatic[178]. Mucilaginous[179, 218]. The root contains about 1.6% protein, 0.5% fat, 80% carbohydrate, 2.3% ash[179].

Medicinal Uses

Antipyretic Antiscrophulatic Antitussive Aphrodisiac Cancer Emollient Expectorant Nutritive Pectoral Sedative Sialagogue Stomachic Tonic The root is antitussive, aphrodisiac, expectorant, pectoral, sedative, sialogogue, stomachic and tonic[147, 174, 176, 218, 238]. It is said to have anticancer activity[218]. It is used internally in the treatment of dry coughs, fevers, thirst, dry constipation, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations[238]. It is also frequently used in polyherbal treatments of diabetes mellitus[218]. The roots have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, B. typhi etc[176]. The roots are harvested in the spring and dried for later use[238]. The plant is antipyretic, antiscrofulatic, antitussive, emollient, expectorant and tonic[218]. Lowers blood pressure[176]. Nodules on the fibrous roots are used as a nutritive tonic in the treatment of TB[174].

Known Hazards

None known