Herb latin name: Alisma canaliculatum


Synonyms: Alisma plantago angustifolium, Alisma plantago canaliculatum


Family: Alismataceae (Water-plantain Family)



Edible parts of Alisma canaliculatum:

Young plants - cooked. Used in soups. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
80 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
June to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Wet places all over Japan.

Propagation of Alisma canaliculatum:

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Place the pot in about 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. Pot up the seedlings when large enough to handle and keep in the cold frame for the first winter, planting out in late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Fairly easy, the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.

Cultivation of the herb:

Wet places all over Japan.

Medicinal use of Alisma canaliculatum:

None known

Known hazards of Alisma canaliculatum:

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this plant, the fresh leaves and roots of the closely related A. plantago-aquatica are poisonous, though the toxins are destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.