Japanese name: オオバジャノヒゲ（大葉蛇鬚） Scientific name:Ophiopogon planiscapus
[Overview]
An evergreen perennial found in woodland.
It spreads well by sending out long creeping stems underground.
The roots have spindle-shaped swellings.
The leaves are basal and simple, linear, 15–50 cm long and 0.4–0.7 cm wide, with fine serrations on the upper margin.
The leaves are wider and thicker than those of Jano-hige.
An erect flower stalk 10–30 cm long bears a raceme 4–8 cm long.
At each node of the inflorescence, 1–3 pale purple to white six-petaled flowers face sideways to downward.
After flowering, the pericarp falls early, and the seeds mature exposed.
The seeds are spherical, 0.8–0.9 cm in diameter, and deep blue.
[Uses]
The swollen parts of the roots are used medicinally.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
From sun to shade, it is not particular about soil, adapts to a wide range of environments, and grows easily and well.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilizer is not particularly needed for plants in the ground; for potted plants, apply slow-release fertilizer twice, in spring and autumn.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
