Udo, Aralia cordata

Young branched shoots from this plant can be eaten cooked or raw.

They can be up to 1.5 metres long and have a mild and agreeable flavour.

They are usually blanched and are crisp and tender with a unique lemon-like flavour.

They can be sliced and added to salads, soups etc.

The root is used cooked.

The root is used in Korea to treat the common cold and migraines.

I find the plants are sensitive to slug damage. Hopefully we can create an environment where slugs are less of a problem than the gardens in a housing area. (Noor Bunnik)