Bengal pogostemon
Pogostemon benghalensis

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 2-3 m high. The young parts have a soft covering. The mature branches are light purple. The leaves are oval and have teeth. The flowers are small and white or pale pink. The fruit are small dark nutlets.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India

How it is used for food

The young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are especially eaten with fish. They are also made into pancakes with powdered rice. The young leaves can be stored for 4-5 days.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds or roots.

Its other names

Local names

Hanbipo, Kuntze, Liriiwo, Rudhilo, Sa-khi-chil, Suklati

Synonyms

Mentha integra Buch.-Ham. ex Benth.; Origanum benghalense Burm.f.; Origanum indicum Roth; Pogostemon frutescens J. Graham; Pogostemon indicus (Roth) Kuntze; Pogostemon purpuricaulis Dalzell;