Rough potato

Metaplexis japonica

Physical Characteristics

Metaplexis japonica is a deciduous Climber growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). It is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Root Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw or cooked[105, 178, 179]. Young fruits - raw or pickled[105]. Root - cooked[46, 61, 105].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Haemostatic Tonic The seed and the leaves are haemostatic and tonic[178, 218]. The hairs on the seeds are styptic whilst the pounded leaves are applied to abscesses and swellings[218]. The stems and roots are used as medicine for traumatic injury, snake bites, impotence, and infantile malnutrition due to intestinal parasites[266].

Known Hazards

None known