Typhonium brownii
Typhonium brownii
Safety & Hazards
All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic fresh and, if eaten, makes the mouth, tongue and throat feel as if hundreds of small needles are digging in to them. However, calcium oxalate is easily broken down either by thoroughly cooking the plant or by fully drying it and, in either of these states, it is safe to eat the plant. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet[ 238 Title Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Publication Author Bown. D. Publisher Dorling Kindersley, London. Year 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Description A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. ].
Botanical Description
Typhonium brownii is a herbaceous perennial plant producing leaves up to 40cm long from a tuberous rootstock[ 144 Title Wild Food in Australia. Publication Author Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Publisher Fontana Year 1976 ISBN 0-00-634436-4 Description A very good pocket guide. ]. Although poisonous, the root was a traditional food of the Australian Aborigines - it is little used nowadays.