Caralluma adscendens var. fimbriata

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

An erect branched herb. It is succulent. It grows 20-30 cm tall. The stems are leafless. They are 4 angled and fleshy. They are green and taper to a point. The leaves are very small and only on young branches. The flowers are at the ends of branches. They can occur singly or at 2-3 together. The flowers are like wheels and are 2 cm across. The petals are purple with yellow markings.

There are about 56-100 Caralluma species. These are sometimes put in the Asclepiadaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in Rajasthan on the Deccan. It grows at aAn erect succulent plant. It looks like a small cactus. n altitude of 600-900 metres.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Pakistan

How it is used for food

The whole plant is boiled in water then eaten with salt and chilli. It is used as a vegetable. It is used as a thirst quencher and is supposed to suppress hunger.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Plant, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kaarallamu, Kallimudayan, Kullee mooliyan, Kundelu kommulu, Maakada singi, Makaadsing, Makad shenguli, Makadsinghi, Makedshingi, Mangana kodu, Pamankey, Ranshabar, Shindamakad, Shindala makadi, Shingoli, Vajra che baji, Yugmaphallottama

Synonyms

Caralluma fimbriata Roxb.;