Araceae FAMILY

Homalomena philippinensis

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a family where most of the members 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

Homalomena philippinensis is a perennial plant producing clusters of large, heart-shaped leaves from an underground corm. The plant grows about 1 metre tall[ 345 Title Minor Products of Philippine Forests Publication Author Brown. W. H. Publisher Bureau of Forestry, Manilla. Year 1920 ISBN Description A useful guide to some of the plants of the area, though terse on details. The book is out of copyright and can be legally downloaded from the Internet. ]. The large leaves are gathered from the wild and used for wrapping food. The plant also has local medicinal uses.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeSoutheast Asia - Taiwan to the Philippines.

HabitatWet, black, humus covered soil of thickets and woods at elevations around 300 metres[ 589 Title Leaflets of Philippine Botany Vol. 10. Publication Author Elmer A.D.E. (Editor) Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Year 1939 ISBN Description Various plant articles. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. Along small streams in primary forests at low elevations in the Philippines[ 465 Title An Enumeration of Philippine Flowering Plants Publication Author Merrill E.D. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher Bureau of Science, Manila. Year 1925 ISBN Description Mainly a list of plant names, plus some synonyms, giving details of where the name was published. Also gives a note on the range of the plant, its habitat and local names. Unfortunately, it does not even give a brief description of the plant. ].