Phak pai, Pinoy
Butomopsis latifolia

Family: Alismataceae

What it is like

A herb. The leaf stalks are 5-20 cm long. The leaves are 5-15 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. There are 3-15 flowers in a group.

Also put in the family Limnocharitaceae. There is one Butomopsis species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in marshes and rice paddy fields. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina Faso, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, North Africa, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, West Africa

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled and squeezed and then cooked as a potherb.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chanti, Karchhul saag, Ludi ara, Lundi ara, Pinoy

Synonyms

Tenagocharis latifolia (D. Don.) Buch.; and others