Himalayan May Apple (Podophyllum hexandrum)

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

Podophyllum hexandrum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw. It must only be eaten when it is fully ripe. Juicy but insipid. The fruit is about 5cm long. The leaves are edible according to one report but this must be treated with some caution, see notes on toxicity above. — It must only be eaten when it is fully ripe.; Juicy but insipid.; The fruit is about 5cm long.; The leaves are edible according to one report but this must be treated with some caution, see notes on toxicity above.

Habitat & North American Range

Scrub forests and alpine meadows, usually in humus rich soils, 2000 - 3500 metres in the Himalayas. Very abundant in fir forests in Kashmir. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)