Symplocarpus renifolius -

Family:	Araceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.5
Synonyms:
Range:	E. Asia - Japan.

Symplocarpus renifolius () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 4.
Symplocarpus renifolius will flower in August to October. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Insects

Soil Information

Symplocarpus renifolius will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
Symplocarpus renifolius prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Symplocarpus renifolius can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Wet places in N. Japan.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in sun or shade in a deep moist to wet lime-free soil that is rich in organic matter[200]. Grows well in a bog garden or along the wet banks of streams and ponds[1, 238]. All parts of the pant, but especially the flowers, have a strong unpleasant aroma[4, 187]. The plant can raise the temperature of its inflorescence by 15 - 35°c above the ambient air temperature, thus protecting itself from frost and helping to attract pollinating insects[200, 238].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
Young leaves - cooked[105].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. The seed should be stored in water if it is not sown immediately[238]. Stored seed can be sown in late winter or early spring. Stand the pot in 2cm of water to keep the compost wet. Germination should take place in the spring, prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in wet soil in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring once they are large enough. Division with great care whilst the plant is dormant[200].

Scented parts of the plants

Flowers : Fresh

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, the following notes for S. foetidus probably also apply here. The plant is poisonous[19]. This report probably refers to the presence of calcium oxylate in all parts of the plant. This substance is toxic and if consumed makes the mouth and digestive tract feel as though hundreds of needles are being stuck into it. However, calcium oxylate is easily destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant[172].

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Japan. (English translation)
Ohwi. G.
Author: Ohwi. G.
Rating:
Publisher : The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1965

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