Astilboides tabularis edible

 

There does not seem to be any mention of Astilboides tabularis being edible on the net, however according to the book "Food Plants of China" by Shiu-ying Hu (2005) the young shoots and leaf stems are edible, used like asparagus. I find it has a unique and pleasant taste, raw or cooked, which I'd describe as rather smoky. The very large mature leaves are soft enough to eat too and have the same flavor, I don't see why they are not eaten too.  

It does not appear to be an especially productive crop but is a good plant for very shady moist locations where few other crops will grow. It is often sold in the West as an ornamental. I find they are extremely fussy about soil moisture content.