Rosy Twisted Stalk

Streptopus lanceolatus var. roseus
[STREP-toh-pus  lan-see-oh-LAY-tus RO-zee-us]
(syn Streptopus roseus)

Family: Convallariaceae 

Names: Liver berry, scoot berry, cucumber root, white mandarin, Rose mandarin 

Description: This wild perennial grows with branched stems from about 1-4 feet tall from thick, fibrous, horizontal roots in moist woods.  The distinctive thing to look for is a definite kink in each flower or berry stem near its middle, the reason for the name twisted stalk.  The bell-shaped flowers, greenish-white or pinkish, droop separately from single, long, slender stems arising from the angles between the leaves and the main stalks. The robustly clasping leaves are extremely smooth, their underneaths being floured with a whitish bloom.  These leaves, which are taper-pointed, are egg-shaped, growing alternately directly from the tall stalks.  Longer than they are wide, broadest toward the base, they are some two to fine inches in length and strongly veined.  The individualistic berries, one to a leaf-stalk angle, are small and pulpy and, when ripe, range from a yellowish white to orange or light red.   

Cultivation: Requires a cool leafy soil in shade or partial shade. Thrives in a moist light soil containing organic matter.  Hardy to at least -4°F.  Seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the summer. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as soon as it is received. The seed, especially if it has been stored, can be very slow to germinate, sometimes taking 18 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a shady part of the greenhouse or cold frame. It will normally take 2 or more growing seasons before the roots are large enough to plant out - this is best done when the plant is dormant in the autumn.  Division as the plant comes into growth in early spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first year, planting them out in the following spring. 

History: Streptopus, from the Greek, streptos, "easily bent or twisted"; roseus, from the Latin, "rose colored"  Twisted Stalk, from the zig-zag stem   

Properties: Cathartic; Diaphoretic; Ophthalmic; Pectoral; Tonic; Women's complaints.  

Medicinal Uses: Aside from being mildly laxative, the juice of the berries can be used to cool and soothe minor burns and skin irritations.  The root was steeped in water and used as a poultice for a sty in the eye.  An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of a fallen womb. A cough syrup can be made from the root. The flowers are diaphoretic. They can be used to induce sweating in the treatment of colds and fevers. The plant is tonic. An infusion of the plant has been used in the treatment of coughs.  

Culinary Uses: Twisted-stalk is also known as wild cucumber, not because of any apparent resemblance it shares with a cucurbit but for the mildly sweet, cucumber-like flavor of its juicy ripe berries.  They are excellent as a trail snack or in salads. Moderation is advised, however, because the berries are also known as “scoot berries” for their mild laxative effect when consumed in very large quantities.  When positive identification can be accomplished, the tender, young shoots can be used as a salad green, tasting too like cucumber.  They can also be cooked and used as greens.   

References:
Edible and Medicinal Plants of the West, Gregory L. Tilford, Mountain Press Publishing; 1997; ISBN: 0-87842-359-1
Plants for a Future Database