Arisaema serratum

Physical Characteristics

Arisaema serratum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in March. 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 - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Tuber - must be thoroughly dried or cooked[46, 61, 177]. The tubers are 15 - 55mm in diameter[266]. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves - cooked[177]. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Deobstruent Diuretic Expectorant Vulnerary The root is alterative, deobstruent, discutient, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary[178, 218]. Use with caution[178].

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.