Atis root
Aconitum heterophyllum

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 100-300 Aconitum species. The roots are used in medicine in Nepal. Most Ranunculaceae grow in cool moist locations.

Where it is found

It grows naturally on humus-rich soils in the alpine and subalpine zones of the Himalayas and in forests, from 2300 - 2900 metres altitude. It will grow in most soils and does best with light shade.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Himalayas, India, Iran, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia

How it is used for food

Caution: It contains several toxic alkaloids. The roots are used as a tonic. It has been reported that the leaves and roots are cooked and eaten.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots, tubers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed but they are slow to germinate. Plants can also be grown by division of clumps.

Its other names

Local names

Atis, Ativisha, Attis, Bikhma, Bish, Diwok, Patish

Synonyms

Aconitum atees Royle; Aconitum cordatum Royle; Aconitum ovatum Lindley;