Mohtra reed, Sitalpati plant
Schumannianthus dichotomus

Family: Marantaceae

What it is like

A herb. It has rhizomes or underground stems. The above ground stems are glossy green and erect. They can be 3-5 m tall and 2 cm across. The stems are leafy and branched.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in swamp forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The rhizome is boiled and eaten. The leaves are packed together with boiled soybeans to make a fermented food.

Rhizomes are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Rhizome, root

How it is grown

It can be grown from rhizomes. It can also be grown from branch cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Hnah-thial-alu, Hnathel, Hpogimbai, Tha lairu, Thin, Thin-byu, Thin-phyu

Synonyms

Clinogyne dichotoma (Roxb.) Salisb.; Maranta dichotoma (Roxb.) Wall.; Phrynium dichotomum Roxb.; Thalia dealbata Link [Illegitimate]; Thalia dichotoma (Roxb.) Roxb. ex Link;