Dragon Plant

This genus contains about 170 species of tuberous or rhizomatous perennials that are widely distributed in Asia, from arid regions to the tropics and the Himalayas, and also in N America and E Africa. These plants have unusual blooms, handsome foliage,and colorful fruits, making striking specimen plants for shady borders. In common with other members of the aroid family (Aracaea), arisaemas contain crystals of calcium oxalate, which cause irritation to the mouth and throat if the plants are eaten raw, and to the eyes on accidental contact. In traditional Chinese medicine three different preparations are made from the corms of A consanguineum: tian nan xing (sun dried); shi nan xing (cooked with raw ginger); and dan nan xing (processed with ox bile). In China the term nan xing refers to the corms of several species, including those of A. amurense and A. heterophyllum, which have similar properties to A. consanguineum. The herb entered chinese medicine at a late date, being first mentioned in 1765, during the Qing dynasty. Although poisonous when fresh, A. triphyllum was eaten by native N Americans, who destroyed the toxins by either roasting the tubers or pounding them with water before drying them to make flour. Arisaema triphyllum varies greatly in size and appearance, and some botanists regard the vain variants as separate species, such as A. atrorubens and A. stewardsonii, or as subspecies.

Perennial with a rounded tuber, mottled talk and a solitary, compound leaf, composed of 11-20 leaflets, to 40cm (16in) long. The inflorescence consists of a white- and brown-striped green, hooded spathe, about 12cm (5in) long, and a green spadix, followed by a pendent cluster of scarlet fruits.

Common Name:	Dragon Plant
Botanical Name:	Arisaema consanguineum
Genus:	Arisaema
Family:	Araceae
Native Location:	E Himalayas to N Thailand, C China, Taiwan
Cultivation:	Moist, well-drained, rich soil in dappled shade. Corms rot if too wet or cold. New foliage may be damaged by spring frosts.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn or spring; by offset corms removed when dormant.
Harvest:	Corms are lifted in autumn or in winter when plants are dormant, and dried for decoctions.
Height:	1m (3ft)
Width:	30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z7-9
Parts Used:	Corms (nan xing)
Properties:	An acrid, irritant herb that acts as an expectorant and relaxes convulsions. Research indicates possible anti-cancer effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for coughs with profuse phlegm, tumors, cervical cancer, epilepsy, tetanus, and complaints involving convulsions and spasmodic twitching.
Warning:	All parts are hamful if eaten. Irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 128