Araceae FAMILY

Alocasia odora

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

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

Night scented lily is an evergreen perennial herb growing up to 60cm tall. The plant is used locally as a food, being gathered from the wild. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeE. Asia - southern China, India, through Malaysia to Indo-China, Indonesia, the Philippines.

HabitatPrimary and secondary tropical rain forests, bamboo-thickets, riverbanks, swamps, also on limestone at elevations below 1,700 metres[ 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. ].