Star grass, Golden-eyed grass

Curculigo orchioides

Physical Characteristics

Curculigo orchioides is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. 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 - S. China, Japan, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, W.Pacific.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: The tubers are cooked and eaten.

Medicinal Uses

Adaptogen Antiasthmatic Antidiarrhoeal Antihaemorrhoidal Antiinflammatory Aphrodisiac Diuretic Emmenagogue Sedative Skin Stimulant Tonic The rhizome is used in traditional medicine throughout the plants range. It is especially valued in Chinese traditional medicine as a general tonic and restorative in the treatment of decline (especially of physical strength)[ 310 ]. A bitter tasting, mucilaginous herb, it is said to be adaptogenic, analeptic, androgenic, anticonvulsive, antiinflammatory, aphrodisiac, diuretic, emmenagogue, sedative, tonic and uterine tonic[ 310 ]. It also has a stimulating effect upon the immune system[ 310 ]. Pharmacological studies have shown the presence of several medically active compounds in the rhizome including saponins and glycosides. Curculigosaponins C and F can promote the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes very significantly[ 310 ]. Curculigosaponins F and G increase the weight of the thymus[ 310 ]. Curculigoside exerts immunological and protective effects[ 310 ]. In addition to its use as a general restorative, the rhizome is used internally in the treatment of a range of diseases including peptic ulcers, piles, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, asthma, jaundice, chronic nephritis, diarrhoea, lumbago and headache[ 310 ]. Externally, the rhizome is used to treat skin diseases[ 310 ]. The rhizomes are washed, freed from roots, and sliced; the slices are dried in the shade[ 310 ]. Usually the dried slices are powdered, and small amounts of powder are mixed in a glass of milk with sugar or used to prepare a decoction for drinking[ 310 ]. Swelling of the tongue has been reported as a side-effect after drinking a decoction from the rhizome; in China the recommended antidote is a decoction of Rheum tanguticum with sodium sulphate[ 310 ].

Known Hazards

None known