Amischotolype mollissima

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A succulent herb. It varies considerably. It can grow 3-8 m long. It can be climbing. The leaves are alternate and sword shaped. The base of the leaf narrows into a stalk. It narrow to a tip. The leaves are dark green and shiny above and pale underneath. They are 12-48 cm long by 4-12 cm wide. The flowers are almost without stalks. They are in the axils of leaves. They are in round groups 2-6 cm across. The flowers are often red but can be white. The fruit are oblong and hairy at the tip.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in moist, shady places in humus rich soils. It grows between 50-1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten.

It is sold in markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Gewor, Kerok batok, Limpoongan, Tjeli badak

Synonyms

Amischotolype glabrata (Hassk.) Hassk.; Amischotolype marginata (Blume) Hassk.; Amischotolype mollissima var. glabrata (Hassk.) R. S. Rao; Amischotolype mollissima var. marginata (Blume) R. S. Rao; Campelia glabrata Hassk. [Illegitimate]; Campelia marginata Blume; Campelia mollissima Blume; Forrestia distans Ridl.; Forrestia glabrata (Hassk.) Hassk.; Forrestia marginata (Blume) Hassk.; Forrestia mollis Hassk.; Forrestia mollissima (Blume) Koord.; Forrestia rostrata Hassk.; Pollia purpurea C. B. Clarke; Tradescantia marginata (Blume) Bouche;