Arisaema jacquemontii

Physical Characteristics

Arisaema jacquemontii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to July. 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 - Himalayas - Afghanistan to S.E. Tibet.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[177]. Used in the same ways as potatoes[272]. The tubers are 12 - 30mm in diameter[266]. The root must be thoroughly cooked or dried before use, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves - dried[177]. The leaves are fermented before being eaten in Nepal[272]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

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.