Kahno, Karna, Kanna, Native Potato
Platysace cirrosa
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
A climbing herb. It produces tubers. It re-grows from the underground rootstock. The branches are wiry and 50 cm long. They twine and climb. The leaves are 2-3 cm long by 0.3 cm wide. They are alternate and do not have stalks. They are green. The flowers are about 0.2 cm across. They are yellow. They occur in groups near the ends of leafless stalks. The fruit are small and flattened.
There are about 25 Platysace species. They grow in Australia.
Where it is found
It grows in stony soils in open forest. It suits warm temperate regions. They need well drained soils. They can grow in sun or light shade. They can tolerate frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Tubers, root
How it is grown
They can be grown from seed or cuttings. They can probably also be grown by division of the tuber.