Believed since ancient times to be an aphrodisiac, for this reason large quantities of the tubers were sold in 18th & 19th century. (when flowering the erect spadix has obvious sexual symbolism) Sometimes called Starchwort as the starch obtained from the root was used to starch ruffs in the 16th century, even though the practice caused blisters on the hands of those who used it. All parts of the fresh plant are POISONOUS, although the well baked tubers are edible, nutritious & harmless. The bruised fresh leaves were once applied externally to relieve rheumatism.
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