Herb latin name: Arisaema utile


Family: Araceae (Arum Family)



Edible parts of Arisaema utile:

Leaves and flowering spathes - cooked as a potherb.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Forest openings at elevations of 1800 - 3700 metres in Nepal. The margins of evergreen Tsuga forests, thickets at elevations of 2800-3100 metres.

Propagation of Arisaema utile:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady position in a cold frame. Stored seed remains viable for at least a year and can be sown in spring in the greenhouse but it will probably require a period of cold stratification. Germination usually takes place in 1 - 6 months at 15°C. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least a coupe of years until the corms are more than 20mm in diameter. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst they are dormant. Division of tubers when the plant dies down in late summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Forest openings at elevations of 1800 - 3700 metres in Nepal. The margins of evergreen Tsuga forests, thickets at elevations of 2800-3100 metres.

Medicinal use of Arisaema utile:

None known

Known hazards of Arisaema utile:

The plant contains calcium oxylate crystals. These cause an extremely unpleasant sensation similar to needles being stuck into the mouth and tongue if they are eaten but they are easily neutralized by thoroughly drying or cooking the plant or by steeping it in water.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.