Arisaema (Arisaema tortuosum)

Family: Araceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tuber - it must be thoroughly dried or cooked before being eaten. The tubers are boiled and eaten in Nepal, mixed with lime juice (Citrus aurantifolia) or another sour substance. — Tuber - it must be thoroughly dried or cooked before being eaten.; The tubers are boiled and eaten in Nepal, mixed with lime juice (Citrus aurantifolia) or another sour substance.; 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.; However, violent illness has still been known to follow a hearty meal of the tubers.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests, shrubberies and open slopes to 3000 metres. Moist shady places at elevations of 1500 - 2200 metres in Nepal. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)