Common name: Coiling leaf Solomon seal, Coiling leaf Polygonatum
Botanical name: Polygonatum cirrhifolium Family: Liliaceae (lily family)
Polygonatums or Solomon seals are graceful shade pants These plants have
rhizomes (under ground stems) that give rise to long arching unbranched stems.
This is an erect perennial plant which grows typically to 60-120 cm, with
whorls of leaves and clusters of small drooping white flowers from leaf-axils.
Leaves are narrow lance-like, in whorls of 3-6, usually with coiled tendril
like tip. This is the identifying feature of the plant. Tiny flowers, about a
centimeter long, are tinged purple or green. Flowers are tube shaped with
spreading triangular petals. Fruit is a red berry, turning to dark purple.
This species is native to the Himalayas.
| Photographed on Shirui Hill,
Ukhrul, Imphal. |
|
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