Small history

Often compared to western horseradish, wasabi is also a root that is used as a condiment, though it is actually a different species. It is used in similar ways, though its flavor is milder. 

Etymology
the word "wasabi" in Japanese means "mountain hollyhock" 

Family
perennial plant of the Cruciferae family 

Growing

• allow two years between planting and harvest 
• the plant needs a lot of water and sunlight 
• the city of Hotaka, Japan, is one of the country's principal providers of wasabi. The inhabitants devote a lot of time to weeding and eliminating insect pests.