Ficinia spiralis (Desmoschoenus spiralis)

Family: Cyperaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Desmoschoenus spiralis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Sand dunes by the coast on North, South and Chatham Islands. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)