Description
Amorphophallus konjac
This herbaceous perennial lily is widely grown in Asia for its edible and medicinal uses. Known variously as Konjac, Voodoo Lily, Corpse Flower, Snake Plant, Snake Palm and Devil’s Tongue, it is closely related to the renowned Titan Lily with its flower that stinks of rotting flesh (in order to attract pollinating carrion flies), and indeed this species also emits quite a stench. In our nursery it’s earned the nicknamed it the ‘Stinky Penis Plant’ (amorphophallus = misshapen penis)!
Although native to subtropical and tropical areas in Eastern Asia, it grows surprisingly well in cool climates as although the foliage is frost sensitive, the corm is winter dormant. Although it can handle poor soil, it prefers fertile, well drained soil, and a position with dappled afternoon shade is ideal.
We sell the tubers as one year old potted plants during the growing season. You can put them in a larger pot or plant them out. Keep them well watered through the growing season but not at all through winter or they will rot. By the end of the season the main tuber will have increased in size and will have some smaller tubers at the edge which can be divided off if you wish, or left undisturbed. If you want to replant them, store them somewhere cool and dry over winter and replant in spring, making sure to plant them at least twice as deep as the corm is high, as roots are formed from the top. After approximately 3 years the main corm will send up a flower instead of leaves – and you’ll know all about it!
These plants are absolutely stunning with their spotted stems and tropical dark green leaves, not to mention the incredible flower which forms from a burgundy spathe. They are worth growing for their unique looks and sense of drama, as well as their edible and medicinal uses!
Konjac leaves are not edible, and although the corms are edible once cooked, they do take a fair amount of processing. This can be done at home though, and you’ll find many you tube clips about how to do it. Basically the corms are either turned into a rubbery jelly or processed into a flour.
The flour, also known as glucomannan powder, is used commercially as a versatile ingredient in a variety of food products such as gluten-free baked goods, shirataki rice and noodles, due to its unique properties and health benefits. It is a thickening agent – an alternative to cornstarch. It also has the ability to absorb large amounts of water, forming a gel-like substance when mixed with liquids. The jelly is used to make ‘yam’ cake, noodles and healthy snack foods including lollies, although some of the latter have been banned due to being a choking hazard. The noodles are available in health food shops in NZ and don’t have a strong taste but take on other flavours readily. As a gluten-free alternative I find them very good.
Glucomannan has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to treat asthma, blood diseases, skin conditions, dissolving phlegm and clots, helping with detoxification, and pain relief.
Claimed health benefits of konjac include the following:
- lowers cholesterol
- controls blood sugar and insulin, which can help manage diabetes, prevent the onset of diabetes, assist with weight loss and improve energy levels throughout the day
- as a prebiotic it can improve intestinal health (promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and inhibiting the development of gut pathogens), prevent constipation, promote healthy bowel function and potentially reduce colorectal cancer risk
- increase immune function
- prevent dermatological inflammation and irritation and prevent allergic-like symptoms.
Certified organic plant in 9cm pot.
Freight: full list of freight and packing charges
Photos: Kahikatea Farm
