Maianthemum dilatatum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ?Maianthemum dilatatum | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||
| Maianthemum dilatatum (Alph.Wood) A.Nelson & J.F.Macbride |
Maianthemum dilatatum (Snakeberry, Two-leaved Solomon's Seal or Wild Lily of the Valley) is a common rhizomatous flowering plant in the family Ruscaceae. M. dilatatum has a very extensive range; from Oregon, northern California. to Alaska, through the Aleutian islands, then further west to Russia, Japan, and Korea. It grows in coastal temperate rainforests, and is often the dominant groundcover plant in Sitka Spruce forests.
They have usually 2 waxy leaves that are smooth, 6-10 cm long and 5-8 cm broad, hence its scientific name (dilatatum means broad). They have 1-4 berries 6 mm in diameter that are speckled red when immature and redden with age. They have 4 tepals, 4 stamens and have 2 chambers in the pistil. This species, along with Maianthemum bifolium and Maianthemum canadense are the only 4-tepaled species in their genus. The flowers are pollinated by insects.
It has many ethnobotanical uses, among them the berries can be used as food, although they are not especially tasty. Other aboriginal uses of the plant include the treatment of cuts, sore eyes, internal injuries and sterility.
Being extremely tolerant to deep shade, drought, and extensive watering, the plant is becoming more popular as a shaded groundcover in gardening. Care should be taken when using them in gardens as the plants will quickly escape confines with its creeping rhizomes and may crowd out other plants.
[edit] External links and references
- Flora of North America: Maianthemum dilatatum
- 2001 Washington State Dept. of Transportation: Maianthemum dilatatum
- Sept, D. J., 2005. Wild Berries of the Northwest. Calypso Publishing: Sechelt, B.C..
