East Indian thistle, Wallich's thistle
Cirsium wallichii

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A spiny herb. It is a thistle. It is erect and robust. It grows 1-3 m high. It has spreading branches. The leaves are alternate and clasp the stem without leaf stalks. The flower heads are dull yellow. They can occur singly or in clusters. They are 2-4 cm across.

There are about 150-250 Cirsium species. They grow in temperate regions.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in sub-Himalayan regions in India. It grows between 1500-3000 m altitude in Uttar Pradesh.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal

How it is used for food

The pith of the stem is eaten. The tuberous roots are eaten raw after peeling off the skin. They are also boiled as a vegetable.

The fresh flowers are eaten by children.

Edible parts

Stem, tubers, root, flowers, shoots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bhruce, Bungsee, Bursa, Kandara, Kandayya, Kandelya, Sungur kande, Thakal kanta

Synonyms

Cirsium nepalense; Cnicus wallachii (DC.) Cl.;