Golden club
Orontium aquaticum
Family: Araceae
What it is like
A taro family plant which grows in water. It grows to 30-45 cm high and 60-75 cm across. It has large thick rhizomes. The leaves are narrowly oblong. They can be under the water, floating on the water, or above the water. The leaves can be 25 cm long. The leaves often have a purple tint underneath. The flowers are small and bright yellow. These are near the top of cylinder shaped white flower stalks. The flower stalks are 18 cm long.
There is only one Orontium species.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. A plant which grows in water. It can tolerate frost. It grows in deep mud. The water should not be more than 45 cm deep. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Caution: The roots and seeds are toxic without proper processing. The roots can be dried and made into flour. The seeds are dried. They need to be boiled several times. The flowers are eaten.
Edible parts
Root, seeds, flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seed. They can also be grown by dividing the rhizome.