A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Techniques for Paris polyphylla

Paris polyphylla is a plant in the genus Paris of the family Liliaceae. It is also known by the aliases Zaoxiu, Chixiu, Chongtai root, Zhengxiu, Caoheche, Chongtai grass, Baigansui, Golden-thread Paris, Chonglou, Jiudaogu, Yuanyangchong, Zhihuatou, Luosiqi, Hailuoqi, Dengtaiqi, Baiheche, Luotuo Sanqi, Tu Sanqi, and also Seven-leaf Lotus. Its distinguishing feature is a single flower emerging from a whorl of leaves, and the flower's shape closely resembles its leaves. It can be divided into two parts, the outer whorl flowers and the inner whorl flowers. The outer whorl flowers look very much like the leaves, about 6 in number, while the inner whorl flowers number about 8. The leaf arrangement of Paris polyphylla is whorled, and the number of leaves varies between individuals, ranging from 4 to 14; “seven leaves” is merely part of the name. The flower structure is special: the leaf center opens into a whorl-like flower, the calyx is green, and the petals are thin and ribbon-like. In early Taiwan, China, it was used to treat snake venom and sores, ulcers, and swelling-toxicity and other symptoms.

It is mainly grown from seed, but can also be grown from rhizomes.

1. Growing from seed

Direct sowing is best, but to save seeds and achieve high yields through dense planting, seedling raising and transplanting can be used.

(1) Direct sowing. In mid to late May, after thorough rain, on a prepared seedbed surface, make small shallow holes 3—5 cm deep with a row spacing of 30—35 cm and a plant spacing of 20—25 cm. Make 4 rows on a narrow bed of 130 cm, and 5 rows on a wide bed of 150 cm. Before sowing, soak the seeds in cold water for 24 hours, mix with plant ash, and sow, placing 2—3 seeds per hole. After sowing, cover with 2—3 cm of fertile soil made of half fine manure and half fine soil. If the soil is dry, water promptly; seedlings will sprout and emerge in 7—10 days.

(2) Seedling raising and transplanting. This is an important measure for saving seeds and catching the right season. In early April, select a seedling bed in dry land or vegetable garden land with a water source. Before digging the soil, it is best to use 40% quintozene at 5—10 grams per square meter mixed with fine soil and broadcast, to disinfect the soil. Then repeatedly dig and turn the topsoil, level and finely prepare the bed surface, open sowing furrows about 5 cm deep on the bed surface at a row spacing of 15 cm, sow in the furrows at a plant spacing of 5 cm, then cover with 3 cm of soil, cover with 2 cm of fine manure, water thoroughly, and cover with plastic film; seedlings can emerge in 5—7 days. One month after raising seedlings, transplant the small seedlings into the field according to the direct-sowing specifications.

2. Growing from rhizomes

In autumn and winter, dig up robust rhizomes free of pests and diseases and store them in sand in a cool, dry place. In early to mid-April of the following year, take them out and cut them into small sections according to the characteristics of the remaining sprouting stems and bud scars that have sprouting capacity, ensuring each section has 1 bud scar. After cutting, dry them properly and mix with plant ash, then plant them in rows in the seedling bed as when sowing, and cover with film. After 15—20 days, once they have rooted and sprouted, transplant them into the field in mid to late May according to the direct-sowing specifications.