Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: John K on September 20, 2010, 12:20:01 pm

Title: Strange plant
Post by: John K on September 20, 2010, 12:20:01 pm
Anyone know what this is ?

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Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: Hillbilly on September 20, 2010, 01:15:55 pm
Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum,) also known as Indian turnip.
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: Cacatch on September 20, 2010, 01:16:35 pm
No idea, but I've been seeing 'em here in Indiana this year too. I don't recall having seen them, or at least as many, in past years.

Hillbilly will know.

CP
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: Cacatch on September 20, 2010, 01:17:28 pm
See, told ya.   :D     So that's the famous indian turnip? Can ya eat the berries or just the root?

CP
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: Hillbilly on September 20, 2010, 01:22:31 pm
You can't eat any of it without preparation-it's toxic as-is. The root is the edible part, but you'd have to be pretty desperate. The roots are full of oxalic acid crystals, and if you bite into one, it's the same general sensation as sticking a live burning torch in your mouth and putting it out with habanero pepper juice. Extended cooking and drying is supposed to get rid of most of it, but you can have my share of it. :)
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: John K on September 20, 2010, 01:39:42 pm
Thanks Steve !
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: Outbackbob48 on September 20, 2010, 06:10:07 pm
John K, Hillbilly got it they are hotter than - - - -. :'( How would I know that, dumb kid. We have lots of them in NW Penna. Bob
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: Hillbilly on September 20, 2010, 06:45:03 pm
I tricked my sister into eating one when we were teenagers. She wasn't very friendly to me for awhile. :D  >:D
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: HoBow on September 20, 2010, 06:52:42 pm
If it has oxalic acid in it, could you use it as a natural bleaching/stripping agent for wood?
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: Outbackbob48 on September 20, 2010, 09:36:01 pm
Dang Hillbilly you got a mean streak in ya. ;D I bet your sis was PO at you for sure :'(  I always get excited when I see the red berrys from a long ways off always think I found the elusive Ginsang Mother lode. A crap just another Indian Turnip :( Bob
Title: Re: Strange plant
Post by: FlintWalker on September 20, 2010, 09:48:08 pm
That right there is the worst dining experience I've ever had :-[