Herb latin name: Stellaria radians


Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family, Starwort Family)



Edible parts of Stellaria radians:

Young leaves - cooked.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Meadows in lowland in northern Japan.

Propagation of Stellaria radians:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Meadows in lowland in northern Japan.

Medicinal use of Stellaria radians:

None known

Known hazards of Stellaria radians:

Although no mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some members of this genus contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.