Rockfoil, Hairy Bergenia, Heartleaf
Bergenia ciliata

Family: Saxifragaceae

What it is like

A herb with thick rootstocks. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 80 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and rounded. They are 3.5-16.5 cm long by 3-12 cm wide. There are short stiff hairs around the edge. The flowers are pink. They are 5 cm wide on stems 30 cm long.

There are 6-8 Bergenia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in Nepal at 1300-3000 m altitude. It grows in moist, rocky places. It is best in a sunny position but will tolerate shade. It is resistant to drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, Tasmania, Tibet

How it is used for food

The flowers are boiled and pickled. The seeds are prepared as dal. The dried leaves are used for tea. The rhizome is boiled and sugar and milk added as a tea substitute.

Edible parts

Flowers, seeds, leaves - tea, roots - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown by root offshoots or by rhizomes.

Its other names

Local names

Dhungri ko jara, Natsei-gamon, Pakhanbhed, Pakhanved, Pattarchoor, Silpari, Simpari phool, Vejicata bergenija, Zakhme hayat

Synonyms

Megasea ciliata Haworth; ? Saxifraga ciliata (Haworth) Royle; ? Saxifraga ligulata var. ciliata (Haworth) Hook.f. & Thomson; ?