Homalomena aromatica

Family: Araceae

What it is like

A small plant. It is a stout herb with spreading roots covered with long fleshy fibres. The stem is simple and straight. The leaves are heart shaped with 2 lobes at the base. These are almost round. The leaf blade is shiny and smooth. The leaf stalk is about 25 cm long and it sheaths the stem at the base. The flower spadix is a flattened cylinder shape and it has a scent. There is a leafy spathe around it. This is green.

There are 150 Homalomena species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows along ditches and on the edges of clumps of trees. It is best in humus rich moist soils. In southern China it grows between 200-1,000 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The rhizome is used as a stimulant. The plant is cooked as a vegetable. The leaf stalk is cooked as a vegetable. It is also used for chutney along with the leaves.

Leaf stalks are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Rhizome as stimulant, root, tuber, leaf stalk, leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from the tuber or rhizome.

Its other names

Local names

An-chi-ri, Chapla, Chikon shak, Gandh kochu, Gandrwi, Ghandhi, Gundrui, Kebeib, Kimchit-nokam, Kunchu gundubi, Ok hi atehang, Tharam, Thagong-yungsa

Synonyms

Calla aromatica Roxb.; Zantedeschia aromatica Spreng.;