Maianthemum oleraceum

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 45-80 cm tall. It has a rhizome that forms tubers. It is 1-2 cm thick. The stems are zigzag shaped. There are 4-9 leaves. These are oblong to sword shaped and 12-21 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are loosely hairy underneath. Flowers occur singly in panicle 5-10 cm across. They are white or deep purplish red.

Also put in the family Convallariaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Sikkim it grows between 2,500-3,500 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The young shoots and leaves are cooked in stir fries and eaten, or added to soups.

Edible parts

Shoots, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

In Yunnan in China leaves are harvested in May and June.

Its other names

Local names

Dong, Nibai, Zhuyecai

Synonyms

Smilacina oleracea (Baker) Hook. f. & Thomson;