Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata)

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

Pinellia ternata is a CORM growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. 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: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root. The tuber is about 12mm in diameter. No more details of edibility are given in these reports but caution is advised since the fresh root is toxic. The toxins can be destroyed by thoroughly drying, or very well cooking the root. — The tuber is about 12mm in diameter.; No more details of edibility are given in these reports but caution is advised since the fresh root is toxic.; The toxins can be destroyed by thoroughly drying, or very well cooking the root.

Habitat & North American Range

Cultivated fields and roadsides all over Japan. Shady and damp grass thickets on mountain sides and stream edges. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)