Aristolochiaceae FAMILY

Asarum heterotropoides

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

3/5

Safety & Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been found for this plant, at least 3 other members of this genus have reports that the leaves are toxic[ 7 Title Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. Publication Author Chiej. R. Publisher MacDonald Year 1984 ISBN 0-356-10541-5 Description Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting information on the plants. Good photographs. , 19 Title Poisonous Plants. Publication Author Stary. F. Publisher Hamlyn Year 1983 ISBN 0-600-35666-3 Description Not very comprehensive, but easy reading. ]. Some caution is therefore advised in the use of this plant.

Botanical Description

Asarum heterotropoides is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant producing a cluster of leaves up to 15cm tall from a creeping rootstock, The rather interesting, but unpleasant-smelling flowers are hidden amongst the leaves[ 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. ]. The plant is widely used in Chinese medicine and is commonly harvested from the wild for this purpose. It is sold in local markets.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - northeast China, northern and central Japan

HabitatMoist shady places in forests on mountain slopes or in valleys[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ].