Arisaema flavum

Arisaema flavum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Tribe: Arisaemateae
Genus: Arisaema
Species: A. flavum
Binomial name
Arisaema flavum

Arisaema flavum (Konso litota or panshalla) is a species of flowering plant native to southern Ethiopia. It is a famine food, eaten during periods of crop failure or famine in the Konso special woreda, where it is endemic. It is preferred to other species of Arisaema due to its relatively acceptable taste, can be prepared within a short time, and is less perishable. But all varieties must be crushed and dried prior to further preparation. The dried parts are then ground to powder, which is mixed with water and cooked like maize for approximately 30 minutes.[1]

References

  1. ^ Yves Guinand and Dechassa Lemessa, "Wild-Food Plants in Southern Ethiopia: Reflections on the role of ‘famine-foods’ at a time of drought" UN-OCHA Report, March 2000 (accessed 15 January 2009)