Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Zhi Mu seeds

Seeds of Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Anemarrhena asphodeloides was finally grouped to the family of the Aspargaceae. The plant is native to china and is used in medicine. Especially the rhizome is used against high fever and night sweat. The extract can also inhibit the growth of some bacteria, for example Pseudomonas. It is also used by women in the menopause that have hot flashes.
A. asphodeloides is a perennial plant that can reach a height of about half a meter. It looks like rawn grass, especially when it is young. The plant tolerates minus degrees. The leaves are simple and up to 60 cm long but just 0, 15 to 1 cm wide.
The flowers are pink, violet or whitish, funnel shaped and stand in spikes. They bloom in nature from August to September. Stored at a constant temperature they can still germinate 4 years after harvesting.
The rhizomes are cone- like and are used for vegetative growth. Another application that is not medical is the usage of some parts of the root as soap. The root includes saponin that cleans the skin without destroying the body fluid.