Ainjeru
Helixanthera ligustrina

Family: Loranthaceae

What it is like

A woody plant which grows attached to other plants. The leaves have stalks. Leaves are 2-8 cm long by 0.8-3 cm wide. They are sword shaped and taper. They do not have hairs. The flowers are orange. They occur as a few flowers on equal length stalks along a main branch.

There are about 50 Helixanthera species. They are tropical and subtropical.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Nepal they grow between 1000-2000 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ainjeru, Ainjheru, Banderi, Bhringe, Chone, Lisso

Synonyms

Loranthus ligustrinus Wall.;