Maianthemum atropurpureum
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 30-60 cm tall. It has a creeping rhizome. The stem is zigzag shape. There are 5-9 leaves. These are narrowly oval and 9-11 cm long by 5 cm wide. The flowers are in a panicle of individual flowers. They are white to purplish red.
Also put in the family Convallariaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests and moist shaded places between 1,400-3,000 m above sea level. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan in China.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tibet
How it is used for food
Young shoots and leaves are cooked in stir fried dishes and added to soups.
Plants are very commonly used.
Edible parts
Shoots, leaves
How it is grown
In Yunnan, leaves are harvested in May and June.
Its other names
Local names
Dong qi, Nibai, Zhuyecai