Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Elephant yam (Araceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius
Elephant yam
(1 Page of 5)

The Amorphophallus paeoniifolius plant species is found in E. Asia - India. It is a member of the Araceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Elephant yam. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. campanulatus. (Roxb.)Blume.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Amorphophallus paeoniifolius
Common Name:  Elephant yam
Family:  Araceae
Author:  (Dennst.)Nicols.

Known 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].

Mature Height:  0.75   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Loose leafy detritus in moist shady habitats[200].

Cultivation Notes: Requires shade and a rich soil in its native habitats, but it probably requires a position with at least moderate sun in Britain. Cultivated for its edible tuber in Asia[2], plants are not winter hardy outdoors in Britain but are sometimes grown outdoors in this country as part of a sub-tropical bedding display[1]. The tuber is harvested in the autumn after top growth has been cut back by frost and it must be kept quite dry and frost-free over winter[1, 133]. It is then potted up in a warm greenhouse in spring ready to be planted out after the last expected frosts. The tubers are planted 15cm deep[1]. It is unclear from the reports that we have seen whether or not this root can be divided, it is quite possible that seed is the only means of increase[K]. The plant has one enormous leaf and one spadix annually. It requires hand pollination in Britain[1, 133]. When ripe for pollination, the flowers have a foetid smell to attract carrion flies and midges. This smell disappears once the flower has been pollinated[245].

For further Amorphophallus paeoniifolius gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future