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Common Name: Mitsuba

General Information

Cryptotaenia japonica is an evergreen perennial plant growing up to 100cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild and also commonly cultivated for food in parts of eastern Asia - it is sold in local markets. It also has medicinal uses.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Woodland in hills and mountains[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

This species is not winter-hardy in all areas of Britain, though plants can tolerate short periods at temperatures down to -10°c[].
Succeeds in most soils, preferring a moist shady position under trees where it often self-sows[]. The leaves tend to turn yellow when plants are grown in full sun[].
Mitsuba is commonly cultivated as a vegetable in Japan, there are some named varieties[]. It is usually grown as an annual[]. It is closely allied to C. canadensis, and is considered to be no more than a synonym of that species by some botanists[].
This plant is adored by slugs and snails and must be protected when small or when new growth is emerging in the spring[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and young stems - raw or cooked[, , ]. Used as a flavouring with a parsley-like flavour if you let your imagination run away with you[]. Seedlings and young leaves can be used in salads[]. Used as 'namul' in Korea - this is a cooked side dish prepared by steaming or blanching the vegetables, placing them in small serving bowls with sesame oil seasoning and serving them at room temperature[].When cooking, the leaves should not be cooked for more than a couple of minutes or the flavour is destroyed[]. The leaves contain about 2.3% protein, 0.23% fat, 4.4% carbohydrate, 2.1% ash[].

Root - raw or cooked[, , , ].

Blanched stem - a celery substitute[, ].

The seed is used as a seasoning.

Medicinal

Women's complaints. Used in the treatment of haemorrhages, colds, fevers etc[]. Used as a tonic for strengthening the body[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow mid spring in a greenhouse. Germination is usually rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. The ideal temperature for sowing is about 25°c, though seed does germinate at higher and lower temperatures[]. Seed can also be sown in early autumn[].
Division in spring or autumn.