Ophiopogon japonicus (Kyoto Dwarf or Dwarf lilyturf)
A terrarium plant sometimes used in aquariums and goldfish bowls. The good balance of an aquarium is disturbed if there are too many of these plants. Not eaten by herbivorous fish. When kept fully submerged it requires water temperatures of 18-25°C. It grows well in full sun or partial shade.
- Family: Liliaceae
- Continent: Asia
- Region: Asia
- Country of origin: Japan
- Height: 6-12 cm
- Width: 6-12 cm
- Light requirements: medium-high
- Temperature: 15-24 °C
- Hardness tolerance: soft-hard
- pH tolerance: 5-8
- Growth: very slow
- Demands: medium
The Fountain Plant can be a beautiful and fulfilling addition to an aquarium and has a normal variety that reaches 8 inches (20 cm) in height, as well as a dwarf variety (Ophiopogon japonicus var. kyoto) that only reaches 4 inches (10 cm) in height. It grows at a moderate rate and produces long narrow leaves, and goes best as a foreground plant, a midground plant, or along the sides of the aquarium. It is best to usually group several plants together, with small spaces between each one.
Although the Fountain Plant is a fairly hardy plant and can survive in most conditions, the water should be regularly checked to help it thrive. It needs a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and minimal light to keep it growing and looking healthy. Make sure to perform regular water changes and fertilize regularly after each change. The bottom substrate should be nutrient-rich. Propagation of the Fountain Plant is done by planting cuttings from the side sprouts of the main plant.
Herbal properties
In Chinese medicine Ophiopogon japonicus tuber, known as mai men dong, is the cardinal herb for yin deficiency. According to the Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, the herb is sweet, slightly bitter and slightly cold, enters the Heart, Lung and Stomach channels and nourishes the yin of the Stomach, Spleen, Heart and Lungs and clears heat and quiets irritability. It is used for hacking dry coughs, dry tongue and mouth and constipation.
Habitat
 Largely a terrestrial plant. Mondo Grass is native to Korea and Japan. It has a fairly low growing habit and the leaves are somewhat finer on this species than other species. The flowers are hidden and insignificant, thus the plant is grown for its foliage and groundcover effect. Total height of Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is only 3 inches and dark green in color. It makes an excellent filler between walkways and stepping stones. Dwarf Mondo Grass needs to be grown in partial shade to shady conditions.
Prefers a sandy soil. Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil and also as a submerged aquatic plant, though it does not flower in such a situation. Succeeds in a sunny position if the soil remains moist all year round, otherwise it should be grown in semi-shade.
Medicinal uses
The root is antitussive, aphrodisiac, expectorant, pectoral, sedative, sialogogue, stomachic and tonic. It is said to have anticancer activity. It is used internally in the treatment of dry coughs, fevers, thirst, dry constipation, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations. It is also frequently used in polyherbal treatments of diabetes mellitus. The roots have an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus, E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, B. typhi etc. The roots are harvested in the spring and dried for later use (ref).
The plant is antipyretic, antiscrofulatic, antitussive, emollient, expectorant and tonic.
Lowers blood pressure. Nodules on the fibrous roots are used as a nutritive tonic in the treatment of TB.
This species is cultivated as a medicinal plant in China.
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