Ban karkal
Sauromatum brevipes

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A herb. It has root tubers. These are 1-2 cm across. The leaves are single and stalked. They are divided into lobes. The leaves appear after the flowers. The spathe or bract around the flower is purplish. The fruit is a berry.

There are 2 (6) Sauromatum species.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 2200-2800 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The spathe is cooked as a vegetable. Other sour foods are added to it.

Edible parts

Spathe

How it is grown

Plants are grown from tubers.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Typhonium brevipes Hook.f.; Typhonium pedatum Schott;