Tian Nan Xing

Arisaema amurense

Physical Characteristics

Arisaema amurense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Flies. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Well-soaked roots can be boiled, peeled and eaten[177]. The tuber is 6 - 7cm in diameter[266]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves - cooked[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antispasmodic Cancer Epilepsy Expectorant Vermifuge Tian Nan Xing has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for thousands of years and is valued especially for its beneficial affect upon the chest[254]. When prescribed internally it is always used dried and in conjunction with fresh ginger root[254]. The root is an acrid irritant herb that is anodyne, antibacterial, antifungal, antiphlogistic, antirheumatic, anticancer, antispasmodic, antitumor, expectorant, sedative and stomachic[147, 176, 218, 238, 279]. The dried root is used internally in the treatment of coughs with profuse phlegm, tumours, cervical cancer, epilepsy, tetanus and complaints involving muscular spasms[176, 238]. The fresh root is applied externally as a poultice to ulcers and other skin complaints[254]. The root is harvested when the plant is dormant in the autumn or winter and is dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

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.