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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Root - a horseradish substitute[1][2][3][4][5]. The fleshy rhizomes are finely grated and prepared into an attractive fresh green paste which is much used as a condiment in Japan[6]. It is considered to have a distinct flavour and pungency that is superior to horseradish, Armoracia rusticana[6]. The pungency rapidly deteriorates once the root has been cut[7]. Roots of plants 15 - 24 months old are best[8]. Leaves, flowers and petioles - cooked[5][9][7]. The leaves, flowers, leafstalks and freshly sliced rhizome are soaked in salt water and then mixed with saki lees to make a popular Japanese pickle called 'wasabi-zuke'[6]. The following analysis is said to belong to the leaves but it looks more like a root analysis[K]. The leaves contain about 6.1% protein, 0.2% fat, 22.3% carbohydrate, 1.3% ash[9].

Unknown part

Leaves

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Wasabia japonica.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root is a pungent warming herb that stimulates the digestion[8]. It is used internally as an antidote to fish poison[8]. (This probably refers to food poisoning caused by eating fish[K]).

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and keep the seed permanently moist[8]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year. Stand the pots in shallow water to ensure the plants do not dry out. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring as the plant comes into growth. Very easy, the larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Wasabia japonica. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a position in wet soil or shallow water. The best quality roots are produced from plants growing in semi-shade in clear running spring water at a temperature between 11 - 14°c[7]. This species is cultivated in eastern Asia for its edible root which is used in much the same way as horseradish[3], it takes 3 - 5 years to produce marketable roots[10]. The roots are finger-thick and up to 18cm long[11].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Wasabia japonica. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Wasabia japonica.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Wasabia japonica
Genus
Wasabia
Family
Brassicaceae
Imported References
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
aquatic
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Wasabi 071103.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Wasabi 071103.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Wasabi 071103.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Wasabi 071103.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    "image:Wasabi 071103.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution (1965-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.5 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.2 Reid. B. E. Famine Foods of the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre (1977-00-00)
    10. ? Brooklyn Botanic Garden Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (1986-00-00)
    11. ? Larkcom J. Oriental Vegetables John Murray ISBN 0-7195-4781-4 (1991-00-00)

    "image:Wasabi 071103.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.