Rhizome usually shortly branched, subterete or tuberous terete, 1-2 cm thick. Stem erect or sometimes subscandent, 50-90(-140) cm, glabrous. Leaves in whorls of 4-6, sessile, abaxially glaucous, linear-lanceolate, 8-15 cm × 4-16 mm, glabrous, apex strongly cirrose or curved. Inflorescences umbel-like, usually 2-4-flowered; peduncle 1-2 cm; bracts borne at base of pedicel, subulate to linear-lanceolate, 3-5 mm, membranous, 1-veined, persistent. Flowers pendulous; pedicel (2.5-)4-10 mm. Perianth milky white to pale yellow, cylindric, slightly constricted in middle, 0.9-1.2 cm; lobes ca. 4 mm; filaments 0.5-1 mm; anthers 2--3 mm; ovary ca. 3 mm; sStyle 5-7 mm. Berries black, 7-10 mm in diam., 4-7-seeded.

Antibacterial, antifungal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, demulcent, lenitive, tonic and vasodilator (roots)

Plants For A Future
Flora of China

The root lowers the blood pressure and prevents atherosclerosis and fatty infiltration in the liver. It is used in the treatment of dry coughs due to chronic bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, sore loins, dizziness, fatigue, weak pulse and poor appetite.

Jing-Nuan Wu. An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica. P: 506, Oxford University Press, Inc.2005.