Asparagus adscendens
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in any good garden soil. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer[K]. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.
Edible uses
The plant is a source of a nutritious starch that can be used like salep (which is obtained from various species of orchid). The part of the plant that is used is not specified but is most likely to be the root[K]. To make salep, the root is dried and ground into a powder[K]. The young shoots are probably edible, used like asparagus[K].
Medicinal uses
The roots are demulcent, diaphoretic, galactogogue and stimulant.
Habitat
Found especially in Sal forests in Uttar Pradesh.
Native range
E. Asia - Afghanistan, Himalayas, Iran.