Ngai camphor plant, Buffalo ear
Blumea balsamifera

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A small herb. It grows to 3 m tall. It is short lived. The bark is yellow-brown. The branches and leaves have a silky covering. The leaves are about 7-25 cm long by 3-10 cm wide. The flowers are in small heads. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are ribbed.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forest. It can also grow in desert soils. It can grow in arid places. At MARDI. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Philippines, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, West Timor

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked in food to add flavour as well as for medicinal purposes. The leaves have a camphor scent. CAUTION: The leaves cause a drop in blood pressure.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, leaves - seasoning

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds, cuttings or layering. It can be cut back and allowed to regrow.

Its other names

Local names

Bunga sapa, Chapa, Chapor, Galunggung, Hhaoqsaqlagma Yaoheeqjaiq, Kakaronda, Kakrondra, Kam pawng, Kaphur goch, Na dyai, Na luang, Phak naad, Phon-ma-thien, Sembang, Sembing, Semboh, Sembong

Synonyms

Conyza balsamifera L.;