Status:
valid
Authors:
(Woodson) LaFrankie
Source:
wcs
Year:
1986
Citation Micro:
J. Arnold Arbor. 67(4): 402. 1986
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000690748
Common Names
- Maianthemum gigas
- Giant False Solomon's Seal
- Gigas
Synonyms
- Smilacina gigas Woodson [unknown]
Description
Maianthemum gigas (also called Giant Maianthemum, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It is native to China and is found in Gansu, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Sichuan. It is a large herbaceous perennial, growing up to 1 m tall, with a dense tuft of basal leaves. It is found in moist and dry meadows, from 2,000 to 4,000 m elevation.
Uses & Benefits
Maianthemum gigas is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used for medicinal purposes.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Maianthemum gigas var. crassipes (Standl. & Steyerm.) LaFrankie
Maianthemum gigas var. gigas
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Maianthemum gigas has small, white flowers, followed by small, black fruits containing a single seed. The seedlings have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Maianthemum gigas is a slow-growing, evergreen perennial that can reach up to 30 cm in height. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is through division or cuttings. Division should be done in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood and placed in a well-draining medium. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots form.
Where to Find Maianthemum gigas
Maianthemum gigas can be found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
Maianthemum gigas FAQ
What is the scientific name of Maianthemum gigas?
Maianthemum gigas
What is the natural habitat of Maianthemum gigas?
Tropical rainforests
What type of soil is best for Maianthemum gigas?
Well-draining, acidic soil
Species in the Maianthemum genus
Maianthemum comaltepecense,
Maianthemum viridiflorum,
Maianthemum gongshanensis,
Maianthemum szechuanicum,
Maianthemum mexicanum,
Maianthemum paniculatum,
Maianthemum dahuricum,
Maianthemum macrophyllum,
Maianthemum salvinii,
Maianthemum scilloideum,
Maianthemum atropurpureum,
Maianthemum racemosum,
Maianthemum stellatum,
Maianthemum trifolium,
Maianthemum yesoense,
Maianthemum oleraceum,
Maianthemum purpureum,
Maianthemum robustum,
Maianthemum tatsienense,
Maianthemum tubiferum,
Maianthemum lichiangense,
Maianthemum gigas,
Maianthemum formosanum,
Maianthemum forrestii,
Maianthemum fuscum,
Maianthemum paludicola,
Maianthemum henryi,
Maianthemum japonicum,
Maianthemum intermedium,
Maianthemum monteverdense,
Maianthemum nanchuanense,
Maianthemum amoenum,
Maianthemum flexuosum,
Maianthemum bifolium,
Maianthemum canadense,
Maianthemum dilatatum,
Maianthemum fusciduliflorum,
Maianthemum stenolobum,
Maianthemum bicolor,
Maianthemum shaolinchii,
Species in the Asparagaceae family
Acanthocarpus canaliculatus,
Acanthocarpus humilis,
Acanthocarpus parviflorus,
Acanthocarpus preissii,
Acanthocarpus robustus,
Acanthocarpus rupestris,
Acanthocarpus verticillatus,
Agave acicularis,
Agave acklinicola,
Agave ajoensis,
Agave aktites,
Agave albescens,
Agave albomarginata,
Agave americana,
Agave angustiarum,
Agave angustifolia,
Agave anomala,
Agave antillarum,
Agave apedicellata,
Agave applanata,
Agave arizonica,
Agave arubensis,
Agave asperrima,
Agave atrovirens,
Agave attenuata,
Agave aurea,
Agave avellanidens,
Agave bahamana,
Agave bicolor,
Agave boldinghiana,
Agave bovicornuta,
Agave braceana,
Agave bracteosa,
Agave brevipetala,
Agave brevispina,
Agave brittoniana,
Agave brunnea,
Agave bulliana,
Agave cacozela,
Agave cajalbanensis,
Agave calodonta,
Agave capensis,
Agave caribaeicola,
Agave cerulata,
Agave chamelensis,
Agave chiapensis,
Agave chrysantha,
Agave chrysoglossa,
Agave cocui,
Agave collina,