Indian sage, Indian camphorweed
Pluchea indica

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 1-3 m high. It has many branches from the base. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are 1-2.5 cm long by 6-8 mm wide. The flowers occur in a panicle of heads at the ends of branches. The flower heads are 3 mm across. They are mauve. The fruit is a brown nut about 1 mm across.

There are about 50 Pluchea species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It often grows in salty locations. It grows around the coast. It is often near sea level and in mangroves. It grows in wetlands. It can be on hard, stony ground. In Java it grows up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten as a vegetable and as a flavouring. The flowers are also eaten cooked.

It is sold in local markets in China. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves as condiment, spice, flowers, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can be grown using cuttings. It can be used for hedges.

Its other names

Local names

Baluntas, Beluntas, Beluntas paya, Indian fleabane, Khayu, Khlu, Kukronda, Lontas, Luntas, Mili, Munjhu, Rukha, Wabalu, Xie la

Synonyms

Baccharis indica L.; Conyza corymbosa Roxb.; Conyza foliolosa Wall. ex DC.; Conyza indica (L.) Blume ex DC.; Conyza indica var. integerrima Miq.; Erigeron denticulatus Burm. f.;