A new "cute spot" in Xizhi — the epilepsy-treating "Tuberose" is super adorable!

There are always new discoveries in life — the herb "Tuberose," used to treat epilepsy, is actually quite cute to look at. Have you ever noticed the changes in the streetscape during your busy commute or while resting and exercising? The edible landscape planting at the entrance and exit of Xizhi District’s Comprehensive Sports Ground adds a touch of rural tranquility to this bustling city.

Located right across from Xizhi District Office, Xizhi District’s Comprehensive Sports Ground is a great place for locals to relax and for students to exercise. In September this year, the city government’s Agriculture Bureau planted perennial bulbous plants from the Amaryllidaceae family — purple Tuberose — alongside medicinal Tuberose, edible red sweet potato leaves, and aromatic mint plants near the entrance and exit. This has added a bit of pastoral relaxation and healing atmosphere to the busy urban environment.

Tuberose leaves resemble chive leaves. Known in traditional Chinese medicine as "liver wind grass," Tuberose is an herb used to treat epilepsy. (Provided by New Taipei City’s Landscape Bureau)

Purple Tuberose leaves look like green onions, while Tuberose leaves resemble chive leaves. Tuberose is also called "liver wind grass" in traditional Chinese medicine and is used to treat epilepsy. Both plants bloom roughly during summer and autumn. To the untrained eye, their plain appearance might not distinguish them from ordinary grass. However, their perennial nature and ease of maintenance not only save public funds but also deliver a striking splash of color when they quietly bloom among the greenery during their flowering season.

The edible landscape plant "Tuberose" at Xizhi District’s Comprehensive Sports Ground, located across from Xizhi District Office, looks super adorable. (Provided by New Taipei City’s Landscape Bureau)

Xizhi District Chief Xu Kaiyu said that some sports enthusiasts reported seeing what looked like white-flowering green onions and pale purple-flowering garlic sprouts near the entrance and exit of Xizhi District’s Comprehensive Sports Ground during their workouts. Finding them unique, they inquired with the district office and learned that these two plants are “Tuberose” and “purple Tuberose.” This herbal planting combination encourages passersby to slow down, stay a little longer, watch the swaying blossoms, and refresh their tired minds.

Agriculture Bureau Director Lee Wen said that in the busy urban life, residents can also get creative in their own courtyards or open spaces by combining edible plants with landscape plants to create beautiful, distinctive scenery and add a touch of pastoral ambiance to help relax the mind. Although the flowering seasons for purple Tuberose and Tuberose have passed, everyone is encouraged to look forward to next year when, with the change of seasons, the flowers of purple Tuberose and Tuberose will bloom again, allowing people to enjoy a healthy new lifestyle.

The edible landscape plants "Tuberose," edible red sweet potato leaves, and aromatic mint plants at Xizhi District’s Comprehensive Sports Ground, located across from Xizhi District Office, look super adorable. (Provided by New Taipei City’s Landscape Bureau)