Ophiopogon japonicus / MAI MEN DONG / Ophiopogon Root

Botanical Name – Ophiopogon japonicus

Chinese Name – MAI MEN DONG

English Name – Ophiopogon Root

Ophiopogon japonicus (known as dwarf lilyturf,mondograss, fountainplant, Snakes beard, or monkeygrass,) is a species of Ophiopogon native to China, India, Japan, and Vietnam.

It is an evergreen, sod-forming perennial plant. The leaves are linear, 20–40 cm long. The flowers are white through pale lilac. The fruit is a blue berry 5 mm diameter.

It is grown as an ornamental plant, providing an excellent groundcover. It grows well in full sun or partial shade.

In traditional Chinese medicine Ophiopogon japonicus tuber, known as mai men dong, is the cardinal herb for yin deficiency.