Ban sampu, Bhut kesh
Selinum tenuifolium

Family: Apiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows to 1.5 m high. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are divided 3 times and the leaflets are along the stalk. The last segment is sword shaped with a pointed tip. The bracts are narrow and very hairy. The flowers are in white umbrella shaped arrangements. Probably now Selinum wallichianum

The scientific name has been given to 2 plants. Salisb. was first in Prodr. stirp. Chap. Allerton 162. 1796 and Wall. ex C. B. Clarke were later in J. D. Hooker, Fl. Brit. India 2:700. 1879 (N. Wallich, Numer. List no. 579. 1829, nom. nud.) (non Salisb. 1796). This later name is therefore an illegitimate later homonym (ICBN Art. 53) that is unavailable for use

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal they grow between 2500-4800 m altitude. They grow in open, rocky places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Europe, Himalayas, India, Italy, Mediterranean, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet

How it is used for food

The tender leaves and shoots are cooked as a vegetable. The seeds are used as a spice in place of coriander and cumin. The roots are used to make a drink.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds - spice

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bhutkesh, Matoshal

Synonyms

Oreocome filicifolia Edgeworth; Selinum candollii Edgeworth, not DC;