Common name: Korean Mint Pinyin: tu huo xiang Part used: Leaf ...

Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Bge.Common name: NonePinyin: zhi muPart used: RhizomeFamily: LiliaceaePlant DescriptionRare in cultivation this herbaceous plant, growing to 1.5’ tall, looks a lot like grass. Small white vaseshapedflowers are arranged in clusters on racemes that rise above foliage, making the total height of thisperennial 4’ tall. Lateral growing rhizomes are orange and are arranged in segments of three, rather likethe center of the Mercedes Benz logo. Occurring as far north as Mongolia, Anemarrhena is consideredcold hardy. This is not a drought tolerant plant.PropagationBlack faceted seeds form in chambered tan capsules that should be separated if seed was not received assuch. Sow these somewhat fragile seed in the spring or fall. Due to their slow growth habit they shouldbe grown in the nursery for a year or more before planting out. Do not allow to dry out. At the ChineseMedicinal Herb Farm we have found equally good germination (90%) by spring sowing seed in a heatedgreenhouse or outdoors in the fall in wooden flats; emergence takes place in 1-2 weeks. Constanttemperaturestored seed remains viable for more than 4 years.Field ProductionThis plant prefers full sun or part shade in hot regions. Plant into a clean cultivated bed evenly spaced,1’ on center and 2’ between rows. Keep weeded, especially when young to avoid confusion with grassyweeds. Anemarrhena has moderate irrigate needs. Average to low soil fertility is recommended.PestNone.HarvestRoots are dug while dormant in the fall or winter after 3 years or more of growth. Remove the thickenedroots close to the rhizome, and remove any persistent foliage to facilitate washing. A power washer ishelpful. Slice lengthwise and dry.Chinese Medicinal Herb Farmwww.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com© Peggy Schafer 2008