Bhordaya, Bhuin
Roscoea purpurea

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

An erect herb in the ginger family. It forms tubers. It grows about 50 cm high. It spreads about 12-15 cm wide. There are up to 8 leaves. The leaves sheath the base to form a false stem. The leaves are sword shaped and taper to the tip. The leaves are about 25 cm long. The flowers are violet. They can be 6 cm across.

There are about 18 Roscea species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in Nepal between 1500-3000 m altitude. It grows in open, moist places. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Myanmar, Nepal (country/location of origin), SE Asia, Slovenia, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The boiled tubers are eaten.

Edible parts

Tubers, root

How it is grown

Plants are grown from tubers.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Roscea procera Wall.;