Yerba mansa
Anemopsis californica

Family: Saururaceae

What it is like

A herb which grows in water. It is erect and keeps growing from year to year. The roots have a sweet smell. It grows 38-45 cm tall. It can spread 3 m wide. The leaves are round or oblong. These roots near the base clasp the flower stem. They have long stems. The flowers are white and in a cone shape. They have large white bracts around them.

There is only one Anemopsis species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical America. It grows in marshes, bogs and moist places up to 1,900 m altitude. It does best in alkaline soils. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Central America, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The roots are wilted then sliced.

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

Seeds germinate 5 weeks after they are exposed to water. It can be grown from portions of the rootstock. Rooted small plantlets form along the runners and can be cut off and used.

Its other names

Local names

Apache beads, Hierba del mansa, Raiz del manso, Swamp root

Synonyms

Anemia californica Nutt.; Houttuynia californica (Nutt.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex S. Watson; and others