Long-tang, Angerig
Oxyspora paniculata

Family: Melastomataceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows about 3 m high. It has spreading branches. The branches are covered with star shaped hairs. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are 15-25 cm long. The leaves are oval and with shallow rounded teeth. Leaves are round at the base. The flowers are small and deep pink. The fruit is a capsule. It is oval but cut off at the tip.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Nepal they grow between 1300-2000 m altitude. In Northeastern India it grows from 800-2,200 m above sea level. They are common in wet ravines. It grows on stream banks and in moist places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal (country/location of origin), Northeastern India, Pacific, SE Asia, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. The young stem is eaten after removing the bark.

Edible parts

Fruit, stem

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

In China plants flower in July to September and fruit January to May.

Its other names

Local names

Bakhra kane, Dasa, Lote phool, Pokeerjali

Synonyms

Arthorstemma paniculatum D.Don; Oxyspora vagans Wall.;