Arisaema

Arisaema tortuosum

Physical Characteristics

Arisaema tortuosum 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 7. It is in flower from May to June. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Simla to Sikkim and Bhutan.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Tuber - it must be thoroughly dried or cooked before being eaten[51, 177]. The tubers are boiled and eaten in Nepal, mixed with lime juice (Citrus aurantifolia) or another sour substance[272]. The tubers are buried in masses in pits until acetous fermentation takes place, they are then dug up, washed and cooked, by which means their acrimonious principles are in part dispersed[2]. However, violent illness has still been known to follow a hearty meal of the tubers[2]. See also the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Vermifuge The roots have been used as a vermifuge in cattle[240, 243]. The juice of the tubers is applied to the wounds of cattle in order to kill any parasites[272]. The dried powdered tubers is applied to snake bites[272]. The seeds have been mixed with salt and used to treat colic in sheep[240, 243, 272].

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.