Herb latin name: Symplocarpus renifolius


Family: Araceae (Arum Family)



Edible parts of Symplocarpus renifolius:

Young leaves - cooked.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
50 cm
(1 foot)

Flowering:
February
to April

Scent:
Scented
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Wet places in N. Japan.

Propagation of Symplocarpus renifolius:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed should be stored in water if it is not sown immediately. Stored seed can be sown in late winter or early spring. Stand the pot in 2cm of water to keep the compost wet. Germination should take place in the spring, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in wet soil in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring once they are large enough. Division with great care whilst the plant is dormant.

Cultivation of the herb:

Wet places in N. Japan.

Medicinal use of Symplocarpus renifolius:

None known

Known hazards of Symplocarpus renifolius:

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the following notes for S. foetidus probably also apply here. The plant is poisonous. This report probably refers to the presence of calcium oxylate in all parts of the plant. This substance is toxic and if consumed makes the mouth and digestive tract feel as though hundreds of needles are being stuck into it. However, calcium oxylate is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.