Hedyotis scandens

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A climbing herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It can grow several metres long. The leaves are oblong and 5-10 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The leaves have a smell. The flowers are near the ends of branches.

There are about 450 Hedyotis species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Assam it grows in open areas or scrub forests. In China it grows in sparse forests and on humid soils in valleys between 1,000-1,800 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Central Africa, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The whole plant is boiled and eaten in curries. It is cooked with other vegetables or fish.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bakhre lahara, Bania, Bhedeli lota, Bokri lahara, Kinchebrick, Kokoaru

Synonyms

Hedyotis polycarpa R. Br. ex G. Don; Hedyotis subscandens Griff.; Hedyotis volubilis R. Br. ex Wall. [Invalid]; Oldenlandia scandens K. Schum.; Petesia hita Buch.-Ham. ex D Don;