Cow plant
Gymnema lactiferum

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. Young plant parts are hairy. The leaf blade is 8 cm long and 4 cm wide. The flowers are in groups with stalks from a common point.

The leaves have been used to treat diabetes.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in dry forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Malaysia, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

Caution: The leaves are used in salads and curries.

Edible parts

Sap, milk, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ksirakakoli, Kurincha

Synonyms

Asclepias lactifera L.; Gymnema nitens Blume; Marsdenia lactifera (L.) I. M. Turner; and others