Arisaema flavum

Physical Characteristics

Arisaema flavum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) 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 and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas to China. N. Africa - Yemen.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked and used as a vegetable[272]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Epilepsy Expectorant Expectorant. It is used in the treatment of chronic tracheitis, bronchiectasis, tetanus and epilepsy[91].

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.