Herb latin name: Amphicarpaea edgeworthii


Synonyms: Amphicarpaea japonica, Falcata japonica


Family: Leguminosae



Edible parts of Amphicarpaea edgeworthii:

Seed and seedpods - cooked. The seedpods are harvested when green and used for food.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Woods and shaded places in lowland all over Japan.

Propagation of Amphicarpaea edgeworthii:

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring in a semi-shaded position in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within a few weeks. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter, planting them out in late spring or early summer. Division. We have been unable to divide this plant because it only makes a small taproot. However, many of the seeds are produced under the ground and these can be harvested like tubers and potted up to make more plants.

Cultivation of the herb:

Woods and shaded places in lowland all over Japan.

Medicinal use of Amphicarpaea edgeworthii:

None known

Known hazards of Amphicarpaea edgeworthii:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.