Chholyang
Pilea umbrosa

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows to 50 cm high. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 5-15 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. They are oval and taper to the tip. They are hairy and have coarse teeth around the edge. The base is rounded. The flowers are greenish. The fruit is dry.

There are about 250 Pilea species. They occur in tropical and warm temperate regions.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1200-2500 m altitude. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or root offshoots.

Its other names

Local names

Chipley jhar, Nil danthe, Oko robo

Synonyms

Urtica umbrosa Wall.; Pilea cordifolia Hook.f.; Pilea producta Bl.;