Polygonatum cathcartii

Cathcart's Solomon’s Seal Asparagaceae

A handsome and unusual Himalayan Solomon’s seal, Polygonatum cathcartii forms arching, often purplish stems clothed with glossy, broadly lanceolate leaves, becoming opposite towards the upper part of the stem. The pendent, tubular flowers are cream to yellowish-green, appearing from the leaf axils in late spring and early summer, followed by orange-red berries. Particularly interesting is its ability to grow epiphytically, with plants occurring amongst moss and organic debris on trees and shrubs, although it also grows terrestrially. 

Its natural distribution extends from eastern Nepal through Bhutan and north-eastern India to southern-central China and northern Myanmar, with India Flora Online specifically recording it from Nagaland as well as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura. 

Our material was collected by Barney and Macer during their 2012 expedition to Mt Japfu in Nagaland, at high elevation in the montane forests of the Japfu range. This makes it a particularly interesting wild-collected introduction, representing the easternmost part of the species’ Himalayan distribution. The collection has subsequently proved an excellent garden plant, retaining the distinctive character of this relatively little-grown species.

Cultivation: A choice plant for a cool, humus-rich woodland garden, preferably in moist but well-drained soil and partial shade. Give protection from hot, dry conditions. Height 60–90cm; spread 45–60cm. Flowers May–July.