Indian borage
Trichodesma indica

Family: Boraginaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. The branches are spreading and very hairy. There are short thin hairs and tiff longer hairs. The leaves are broadly sword shaped and 4-9 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. There are a few flowers in a loose group at the end. The fruit are nutlets. These are 4-5 mm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Pakistan it grows up to 1,400 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, India, Mauritius, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The black seeds are eaten. The leaves and flowers are eaten.

The seeds are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Adhomukhi, Andusi, Cchotakulpha, Cchotaphulva, Chotokulpa, Gokhe-kei-kanti, Guvvagutti, Hetamundia, Hetmudia, Kallributi ratmandu, Katte-tumbesoppu, Kaurla, Kawalyache dole, Kazhuthaithumbai, Kula-tirub, Lahanakalpa, Nilakrai, Phopati, Phul-dar, Ratisurkha, Ratmandi, Sal-kanla, Sal-knota, Surasa, Undhaphuli

Synonyms

Borago indicum L.; Trichodesmia amplexicaule Roth; Trichodesmia hirsutum Edgew.; Trichodesmia indicum var. amplexicaule (Roth) T. Cooke;