Aconitum rotundifolium
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. There are prickles along the stem. The leaves are twice divided and there are 8-18 pairs of pinnae. There are up to 50 pairs of pinnules on each pinnae. The flowers are yellow. They are in large clusters at the ends of branches. The pods are flattened.
There are about 100 Aconitum species. This one is used in medicine.
Where it is found
It grows naturally on stony slopes in the alpine and sub-alpine zone in Western Asia. It grows in alpine grassland in western China at 3,100 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Asia, Central Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan
How it is used for food
Caution: The plant is poisonous. It contains 2 alkaloids. It has been reported that leaves are eaten after cooking.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or by division of clumps.