Himalayan bosea
Bosea amherstiana

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

A woody evergreen shrub. It grows about 2-6 m tall. It has many cane like stems from ground level. These are erect. The leaves are small and have smooth edges. They are a dull deep green. The flowers are white. The fruit are red berries. They are edible.

There are 3 Bosea species. They are woody shrubs.

Where it is found

It grows in subtropical places. Garhwal Himalayas. In Pakistan it grows between 900-2,000 m altitude. It needs a well drained aerated soil. They do best in full sun. It can tolerate drought. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Himalayas, India (country/location of origin), Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The young shoots are fried in butter and eaten. The fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Shoots, leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings, seeds or division of the roots. Plants can be cut back and re-sprout.

Its other names

Local names

Bhengoi, Kotibilga

Synonyms

Deeringia amherstiana; ? Rodetia amherstiana Moq.;