Himalayan arnebia
Arnebia benthamii

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 60-90 cm tall. It is hairy. The leaves are narrow and sword like. The flowers are purple in spikes. There are longer grey hairy bracts.

It is used in medicine. It is an over harvested and at risk plant.

Where it is found

It grows in cold arid places. In the Himalayas it grows between 3,000-4,300 m above sea level. It needs to be in a sunny position in well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pakistan

How it is used for food

The roots are used to give a red colour and flavour to foods. It is also a medicine.

Edible parts

Root- flavour

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Kang, Mahaarangee, Ulte bhurkesh

Synonyms

Echium benthamii Wall. ex G. Don; Lithospermum benthamii (Wall. ex G. Don) I. M. Johnst.; Macrotoma benthamii (Wall. ex G. Don) A. DC.;