Foxnut, Euryale

Euryale ferox

Physical Characteristics

Euryale ferox is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

E. Asia - China to N. India.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Stem Edible Uses: Fruit[2]. Soft and pulpy, it is about the size of a small orange[2]. It is highly esteemed in China as a cooling tonic food[183]. Seed - fresh or dried[183, 200]. The seed is about the size of a pea, each fruit containing from 8 to 15 seeds[2]. The seed is usually roasted and then eaten[218]. It is also used as a source of starch[183]. A nutritional analysis is available[218]. Very young stalks and rhizomes[2, 183]. Rich in starch[2].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Aphrodisiac Astringent Deobstruent Oxytoxic Tonic The leaf is used in cases of difficult parturition[218]. All parts of the plant are considered to be astringent, deobstruent and tonic[218]. The seed is a sweet and sour astringent herb that acts as a tonic for the kidney and the spleen[238]. The seed is analgesic and aphrodisiac[218]. It is taken internally in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, vaginal discharge, kidney weakness associated with frequent urination, impotence, premature and involuntary ejaculation and nocturnal emissions[238, 279].

Known Hazards

None known