Maianthemum tatsienense
Family: Asparagaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows 30-80 cm tall. It has rhizomes that are slightly thickened. The stems are smooth. There are 6-8 leaves. They are oval or sword shaped and 2-7 cm long by 2-8 cm wide. Flowers occur singly in a panicle. They are greenish and can be tinged with purple.
Also put in the family Convallariaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of forests and on grassy slopes between 1,500-3,500 m above sea level. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan in China.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tibet
How it is used for food
The young shoots and leaves are cooked in stir fries and added to soups.
Edible parts
Shoots, leaves
How it is grown
In Yunnan leaves are harvested in May and June.
Its other names
Local names
Dong, Nibai, Zhuyecai