Asparagus Cochinchinensis seeds asparagi Cochinensis Tian Men Dong

LATIN NAME: ASPARAGUS COCHINCHINENSIS

COMMON NAME: Chinese Asparagus

The Chinese asparagus ferns the twining, climbing stems with the soft, fern-like, needle-fine foliage and the small, white, fragrant flowers that open through the summer, the small, round, red berries following. The stems climb and drape with the airy, feathery look, and the plant keeps the green through the warm season. It likes the sun or the part shade, and the light, well-drained soil.

Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology

In the asparagus family, the cochinchinensis species has a recognised place in the studies of the medicinal climbers, and it appears in the research on the tuberous root chemistry and the climbing growth. The pharmacologists value the root preparations, while the horticulturists note the feathery, airy form for the warm, sheltered corners. The seed biology fills out the picture, and the growers of the traditional medicinal plants keep the species in their catalogues.

Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications

In the warm, sheltered garden, the Chinese asparagus ferns the trellis with the feathery stems. The needle-fine foliage drapes with the airy look, the roots have served the traditional preparations for the ages, and the red berries feed the birds. It grows well in the light, well-drained ground. Feathery, airy and quietly useful.

To grow the Chinese Asparagus from seed,

Sow the seeds into the gritty, sandy drills of the warm pot, then cover them lightly, keep the pot in the warm, bright spot and water gently

Keep the pot warm and steadily moist, and give the young vine a support to climb. The feathery stems come within the season.

. The seedlings surface within a few weeks, and they grow on steadily. Settle the young plants in the light, well-drained ground, and the feathery stems will drape the trellis over the summer.

The dried root is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, antitussive, diuretic, expectorant, nervine, sialagogue, stomachic, nervous stimulant and tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of fevers, debility, sore throats, coughs, tuberculosis and bronchitis. Also used as a purifier for detox. Except for its use in traditional Chinese medicine the plant is also used as insecticide because it exterminates the larvae of flies and mosquitoes.