Comparative study on growth characteristics of four kinds of lilyturf

The leaf morphology, root morphology, biomass, biomass allocation and propagation ratio of Liriope spicata, L. graminifolia, L. muscari var. variegata and L. spicata var. prolifera were determined and compared in order to clarify the difference in the growth characteristics of these Lilyturfs. The results showed that the mean membership function value of root morphology (0.87) and the propagation ratio (4.00) of L. spicata were the highest. The dry weight of the total plant (3.98 g) and the root:shoot ratio (0.79) of L. graminifolia were the lowest. The propagation ratio (2.33) and the number of leaves (24.46) of L. muscari var. variegata were the least. The mean membership function value of leaf morphology (0.71) was highest in L. spicata var. prolifera. Therefore, our results suggest that when selecting a lilyturf species for use in landscaping, L. spicata and L. spicata var. prolifera can form landscape quickly. L. graminifolia should be planted in a habitat with gentle terrain and sufficient water resource. The planting density of L. muscari var.variegata should be increased appropriately. L. graminifolia and L. muscari var. variegata can maintain a landscape for a longer time. Thus, when used for landscaping purposes, it is necessary to select and cultivate these Lilyturfs according to their different characteristics.