Murdannia scapiflora

Family: Commelinaceae

What it is like

A tufted herb. It grows about 70 cm high. It has elongated tuberous roots. The leaves are all at the base. They are erect and 4-10 cm long. They taper finely. The flowers are small and pale mauve. The fruit is a capsule. it is 3 angled with a hook at the tip.

There are 50 Murdannia species. They grow in the tropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Nepal it grows to about 2000 m altitude. In Bangladesh it grows on the floor of the forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Nepal, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The roots are boiled and eaten like potatoes.

Edible parts

Roots

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Nigale gava, Pate phul

Synonyms

Commelina scapiflora Roxb.; Aneilema scapiflorum (Roxb.)Kost.; Aneilema serotinum D.Don ex C.B. Clarke;