Re-gong-chu, Mao xian zhu ju tai
Rhynchotechum vestitum
Family: Gesneriaceae
What it is like
A small shrub. The stems are 1-2 m high. The base of the stems is smooth and creamy yellow. The leaves are opposite. The leaf stalk is 2-4.5 cm long. The leaf blade is oval and 13-28.5 cm long by 54.-12 cm wide. It has a rough surface. There are teeth along the edge. It tapers to the tip. There are 5-15 flowers in the flowering cluster. The flower stalk is 0.8-1.5 cm long. The flowers are red. The fruit is a white berry 305 mm long.
Where it is found
It grows in shaded forests near streams between 800-1300 m altitude in China. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet
How it is used for food
The leaves are cooked as a vegetable mixed with sodium bicarbonate.
Edible parts
Leaves