Himalayan thorowax
Bupleurum candollei
Family: Apiaceae
What it is like
An erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 40-100 cm tall. The taproot is stout and becomes woody. The stem is erect and branched above. The lower leaves are narrow and 12-15 cm long by 1 cm wide. The upper leaves are wider and have a wedge shaped base. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are oval and they have ridges along them. They are 5 mm long.
There are about 100 Bupleurum species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows between 2500-4000 m altitude in Uttar Pradesh in India. In China SW China it grows on shady slopes between 1,800-3,200 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet
How it is used for food
The root and seeds are eaten raw. They are sweet. The seeds are used for flavouring.
Edible parts
Roots, seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Janglijeera