Araceae FAMILY

Oplopanax japonicus

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

1/5

Safety & Hazards

The plant is densely armed with spikes and these spikes are irritant[ 200 Title The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. Publication Author Huxley. A. Publisher MacMillan Press Year 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5 Description Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed. ]. Although no specific mention has been seen for this plant, it belongs to a genus where the species are usually rich in calcium oxylate, this is toxic and if consumed makes the mouth and digestive tract feel as though hundreds of needles are being stuck into it. However, calcium oxylate is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant.

Botanical Description

Oplopanax japonicus is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3.00 metres tall. It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - Japan.

HabitatMoist woods, especially by streams[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ] and usually in rich soils[ 99 Title Plants in British Columbian Indian Technology. Publication Author Turner. N. J. Publisher British Columbia Provincial Museum Year 1979 ISBN 0-7718-8117-7 Description Excellent and readable guide. ].