Devil's Tongue
Amorphophallus konjac
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 3CBA — Amorphophallus konjac
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IOverview
Overview
Devil's Tongue, scientifically known as Amorphophallus konjac, is a perennial plant native to the South-Central region of China. This plant thrives in partial sun or full shade and prefers moist conditions with well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. It can be found growing up to 1.3 meters tall and is hardy in USDA zones 6-11. Devil's Tongue is primarily known for its edible roots, which are often used in various culinary applications. Its distinctive feature includes a unique shape that gives it the common name "Devil's Tongue," though this does not reflect any medicinal or ornamental value beyond its cultural significance.
Quick answers
What is Devil's Tongue?
Devil's Tongue, scientifically known as Amorphophallus konjac, is a perennial plant native to the South-Central region of China. This plant thrives in partial sun or full shade and prefers moist conditions with well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture.
What is Devil's Tongue used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Devil's Tongue
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Devil's Tongue appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort traditions, often as a powder. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Gentle Digest
digestiontincture
Historically used for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Devil's Tongue thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 6-11 and can grow up to 1.3 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the roots are kept consistently moist. Propagate through division of mature plants in spring or fall.
Light
Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Devil's Tongue for the first time
8steps
Start with Devil's Tongue as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden or container.
- 1
What you'll need
A Devil's Tongue tuber, potting soil, and a container if planting in a pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use light, well-draining soil. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant tubers 5-10 cm deep with the growing point facing up.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist and provide partial shade to avoid wilting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide light: partial sun or full shade.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves in late winter to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, not providing enough shade, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:roots
Edible uses: The Devil's Tongue plant is edible, with its starchy roots being the primary part consumed. These roots are typically prepared by boiling or steaming before use in various dishes. They can also be dried and ground into a flour for making noodles or other food products. Skip the raw consumption as it may not be palatable due to its texture.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 9 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 9 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native· 9 introduced
Asia6 regions
native (1)China
introduced (5)ChinaPhilippinesSouth KoreaThailandVietnam
Broader regions
introduced:Nansei-shoto, East Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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