Green Dragon/Dragon Root

From TripSit wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Also known as memory root, dragon root is

reputed to have hallucinogenic effects (Schultes

and Farnsworth 1982, 187*; Schultes and Hofmann

1980,366*). There are several potently toxic plants

in the Family Araceae (e.g., Arum, Dieffenbachia,

Dracunculus) as well as such questionable hallucinogens

as sweet flag (Acorus calamus) (cf.

Plowman 1969). The genus Arisaema is known for

its allergenic effects when touched or eaten. Fruits

and other parts of the plant contain microscopically

small needles of crystallized calcium

oxalate, contact with which can lead to heavy

histamine secretion (Turner and Szczawinski

1992, 116*). The homeopathic agent Arum

dracontium hom. is obtained from the flowers of

this plant. The Ojibwa Indians are said to have

used the root to counteract witchcraft (Moerman

1982, 101 *). The related species Arum maculatum

1. was used as a wine additive (cf. Vitis vinifera).
Literature

Plowman, Timothy. 1969. Folk uses of New World

aroids. Economic Botany 23 (2): 97-122.