Bengal sage
Meriandra dianthera

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb or small shrub. It has an aroma like camphor. The stems are woody. The leaves are about 1 m above ground. The leaves are oval and 5-11 cm long by 1-3 cm wide.

There are 2 Meriandra species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, East Africa, Ethiopia, India, Middle East, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves are used for flavouring.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hadha toke, Kafurkapai, Kanghumaan, Nechilo, Sima-karpuramu

Synonyms

Meriandra abyssinica F. Muell.; Meriandra bengalensis (J. Koenig ex Roxb.) Benth.; Salvia abyssinica R. Br. [Invalid]; Salvia bengalensis Konig ex Roxburgh; Salvia dianthera Roth ex Roem. & Schult.; Salvia dianthera Roth; Salvia stachydea Klein ex Schult.;