Deer bamboo
Polygonatum falcatum
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A small plant that keeps growing from year to year. The stems are 1 m long. They have a red tint. The leaves are long and narrow. The flowers are small and are carried singly.
There are about 50 Polygonatum species. Also put in the family Convallariaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in open forest.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
The shoot and root are eaten. Root is steamed and sun-dried nine times. It must be fully grown when processed, otherwise it stings the throat.
Edible parts
Leaves, root, shoots
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Naruko-yuri