Chiple, Gagaleto
Pilea symmeria

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

A creeping herb. The leaves have stalks and are opposite. The leaves are 2-19-5 cm long by 0.8-7 cm wide. They are oblong to sword shaped. The taper to a long tip. The ends have teeth. The flowers are small and greenish. They occur in clusters in the axils of leaves.

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

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 1600-3000 m altitude. It grows in crevices of rocks in moist places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, 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

Synonyms

Pilea wightii Weddell;