Chlorophytum nepalense

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows to about 60 cm high. It has rhizomes or underground stems which are short. The leaves are near the base. They are narrow. They are 8-60 cm long by 0.6-2 cm wide. The flowers are white. They occur in long erect racemes. The fruit is a capsule which is oval. It is 6-9 mm across. There are several seeds.

There are between 100-150-215 Chlorophytum species. They are mostly in the tropics. Also put in the family Anthericaceae and family Liliaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1400-2500 m altitude. It grows in moist, shady places. In S China it grows in rocky places along valleys between 1300-2800 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used for food

The tender leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are boiled. The flowering shoots are eaten fried. The fresh tubers are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowering shoots, tuber, root

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or bulbs.

Its other names

Local names

Ban alu, Banlasun, Ban pyaj, Danti sag, Kep, Pyaje, Taaprong, Xi nan diao lan

Synonyms

Phalangium nepalense Lindley; Chlorophytum flaccidum W.W.Smith; Chlorophytum khasianum J.D.Hooker; Chlorophytum mekongense W.W.Smith; Chlorophytum oreogenes W.W.Smith; Anthericum nepalense (Lindley) Sprengel; Chlorophytum undulatum Wallich ex Hook.f.;