Indian globe flower
Sphaeranthus indicus

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows erect and has an aroma. It has 4 irregular and sharply toothed wings. It grows 50 cm high. The leaves are long sword shaped or spoon shaped and 3-6 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. There are irregular double teeth along the edge. The flowers are purple, pink and white.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on clays and seasonally flooded areas. It grows in rice fields. In southern China it grows along sandy banks along rivers between 700-1,000 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten after cooking.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Adakkamaniyan, Belaunja, Boddasoramu, Boddatarupu, Bokashungi, Bothada, Buikadamba, Da-naung, Danr pudina, Ghundi, Gorakh mundi, Hapusa, Kadu, Khamadrus, Kottakaranthai, Mahamundi, Mirangani, Mon-di, Mundi, Murisa, Puru tasad, Tonka pudina

Synonyms

Sphaeranthus hirtus Willd.; Sphaeranthus mollis Roxb.;