Introduction to Polygonatum odoratum: a botanical gem
Polygonatum odoratum, also known by popular names such as seal of solomon, David's tears, polygonate, white solder o Beatamari, is a perennial plant of great ornamental and medicinal value. This species belongs to the family of asparagaceae (formerly included in the Liliaceae or Convallariaceae), and is recognized for its characteristic aroma and unique bell-shaped flowers. Its presence in gardens and natural spaces is due to the attractiveness of its leaves and flowers, as well as the unique properties of its rhizome.
Taxonomy, nomenclature and etymology
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Streptophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: Liliales
- Family: asparagaceae
- Gender: Polygonatum
Name Polygonatum It comes from the Greek "polys" (many) and "gonu" (knot or joint), referring to the numerous nodes visible on its underground rhizomes. The epithet "odoratum" indicates its characteristic fragrance.
Some botanical synonyms include Polygonatum officinale, Convallaria odorata y Polygonatum vulgare. At a popular level there are variants in different languages: "Solomon's seal" in English, "selo-do-salomâo" in Portuguese, "lliri de bosc" in Catalan, "soldaconsolda" in Galician and "mizpiau" in Basque.
Detailed botanical description
Polygonatum odoratum It is a perennial herb with an elegant appearance, reaching between 40 and 70 centimeters high, which stands out for its arched, angular, and smooth stem. Its underground part is a robust, horizontal, knotty rhizome, from which new aerial stems sprout each season. These stems have alternate leaves, arranged in two rows (distichous), elliptical to ovate in shape, with a light green and smooth surface. The leaves usually measure 5 to 12 cm, showing the sharp apex and the base of the obtuse blade.
In the axils of the leaves the pendulous flowers, solitary or in small groups, greenish-white in color, with a tubular bell shape that opens in 6 lobes slightly greenish at the ends. These flowers, of great ornamental value, give off a subtle and pleasant aromaFlowering occurs in spring, mainly between April and June, although in certain regions it can last longer.
After pollination, usually carried out by insects, the plant produces berries between 7 and 13 mm in diameter, which when ripe turn from green to blue-black or dark violet. These berries, although decorative, are toxic if they are ingested.
Geographic distribution and habitat of Polygonatum odoratum
This species has a wide natural distribution in Europe, North Africa and Asia, ranging from the Iberian Peninsula and Great Britain to Siberia, China, the Himalayas, Japan, Korea and Mongolia. In the Iberian Peninsula it is found especially in mountainous and cool areas, preferably in medium and high altitudes.
El optimal habitat For Solomon's seal, these are temperate deciduous forests, damp clearings, shady undergrowth, streambanks, and fresh scrubland, frequenting soils rich in organic matter, well-drained, and constantly moist, though not waterlogged. It prefers shaded or semi-shaded environments, protected by trees and shrubs, although it can tolerate more open exposures as long as the substrate remains sufficiently cool.
Ecology and phytosociological behavior
Polygonatum odoratum is a indicator of well-preserved forest ecosystems. It forms part of megaphorbic herbaceous communities, forest edges, and cool clearings in temperate forests, mainly in the Trifolio-Geranietea class. It is able to coexist with a wide variety of species such as Agrimony eupatoria, Allium oleraceum, Aquilegia vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, vicia crack, Among others.
From the point of view of adaptation, it is classified as a geophyte, since its replacement organs (buds) are found in underground rhizomes, allowing it to sprout each year after winter or unfavorable times. Its seed dispersal strategy is local, facilitated by animals that disperse their berries over short distances.
Ecological characteristics and environmental tolerance
Polygonatum odoratum is highly tolerant of shade, although it can also grow in sunny locations if the soil moisture is adequate. It is indicative of environments:
- Poor in nitrogen
- With a pH from slightly acidic to alkaline (5,5 to 8)
- Fresh to moderately dry soils
- Does not tolerate salinity
Mowing pressure, herbivory and soil disturbance can affect population frequency and density, so it is recommended to avoid intense disturbances in its natural ecosystem.
Life cycle, flowering and reproduction
Perennial cycle: The aerial part dries up after summer fruiting, while the rhizome remains dormant until the following spring, when it sprouts again.
Flowering: Flowering normally occurs between April and July, depending on the altitude and climatic conditions. The flowers, about two centimeters, they are usually grouped from one to four per peduncle, arranged unilaterally along the arched stem.
Fructification: The fruit ripens from summer onwards, acquiring the aforementioned blue-black colour and remaining on the plant until the aerial part dries.
- Plant height: Up to 70 cm in favorable conditions (more common between 35-50 cm).
- Seed weight: Around 300 mg, with non-specific local dispersion.
multiplication and cultivation
There are several methods to propagate Polygonatum odoratum:
- Rhizome division: The most efficient and common system. It is carried out in late autumn or early spring. Simply divide the rhizome into portions, ensuring that each fragment has at least one active bud.
- Sowing seeds: Slow and less common process, since the seeds present dormancy and require cold stratification to germinate after several months.
For both methods, it is essential to use substrates rich in organic matter, well-drained and cool. Avoid waterlogged soils or excessively compact, which can promote root rot. Once established, the plant is low-maintenance, requiring only the periodic removal of dry leaves and stems.
Gardening care and maintenance
- Light: It prefers shade or semi-shade, ideal for shady gardens, under trees or in less sunny corners where other species do not thrive.
- Ground: Humid but without puddles, with abundant organic matter.
- Irrigation: Regular in spring and summer, reducing significantly in winter.
- Maintenance: Low, only plant debris needs to be removed at the end of the vegetative cycle.
- Resistance: It tolerates intense cold and requires a certain amount of coolness in the substrate to avoid water stress.
Botanical varieties and recognized synonyms
- Polygonatum odoratum var. maximowiczii
- Polygonatum odoratum var. odoratum
- Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum
- Polygonatum odoratum var. thunbergii
These varieties differ slightly in size, flower shape, and adaptation to different regions, but they share the same essential properties.
Ornamental uses
Thanks to its delicate appearance and ability to thrive in shade, is highly appreciated in:
- Borders and flowerbeds in shady gardens
- Under trees and bushes
- Cool, humid corners of gardens and parks
- Naturalized and low-maintenance gardens
Its elegant appearance and bell-shaped flowers provide visual appeal during spring, while the light green foliage adds texture and contrast in areas where few plants manage to survive.
Medicinal properties and traditional uses
El rhizome Polygonatum odoratum has been traditionally used in multiple cultures, especially in natural medicine, thanks to its diverse active ingredients (anthraquinones, saponins, mucilages, among others). Its main applications include:
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: It has traditionally been used to treat inflammation, joint pain and muscle discomfort.
- Diuretic: It promotes the elimination of fluids, combating retention and stimulating kidney function.
- Healing and resolving: In topical use it promotes tissue regeneration, helps with burns, wounds and minor skin lesions.
- Antitussive and expectorant: Used to soothe coughs and treat mild respiratory conditions, especially in Chinese medicine (where it is known as Yuzhu).
- Hypoglycemic: There are references suggesting its ability to reduce blood sugar levels, although its use should always be supervised by specialists due to the risk of toxicity.
- Antidiarrheal and demulcent: Thanks to its richness in mucilage, it can relieve digestive discomfort, although its current use is less common in the presence of less toxic plants.
- Other uses: Tonic, cardiotonic, sedative and antiperiodic functions have also been attributed to it.
Traditionally, the dried rhizome was used in infusions, decoctions, or as an ingredient in herbal liqueurs such as "Liquor of Beata Maria."
Warning: All parts of the plant, especially the fruits and fresh rhizome, are potentially toxic If consumed in high doses or without proper preparation, the fruits can cause digestive and cardiac disorders, so consumption without professional supervision is not recommended.
Ecological importance and conservation
Polygonatum odoratum plays a relevant role as biodiversity indicator species in well-preserved and little-disturbed forest environments. It provides shelter and food (despite its toxicity to humans, its berries can be consumed by some wild animals), and contributes to the ecological stability of soils and understories.
In some regions, the species is considered rare or threatened due to habitat transformation, overexploitation, and land-use changes. For this reason, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices when collecting or cultivating it, avoiding mass harvesting and encouraging its integration into environmentally friendly gardening designs.
Curiosities, legends and symbolism
El popular name "Solomon's seal" It has given rise to numerous legends. It is believed that the circular scars left by the stems on the rhizome after drying resemble a seal or the Hebrew hexagram, a symbol attributed to King Solomon. This fueled the legend that this wise king would have placed his seal on the plant for its medicinal virtues.
The nickname "tears of David" refers to his hanging flowers, which evoke the image of suspended tears.
La Polygonatum odoratum It stands out as a versatile, elegant plant with deep roots in folk culture, traditional medicine, and naturalistic gardening. In landscape contexts, it provides ornamental value in places difficult for other plants to access, while its ethnobotanical uses demonstrate its historical significance. When cultivating or using it, it is essential to combine appreciation for its beauty with respect for its toxicity and ecological role, thus ensuring its preservation for future generations.
