Shinalak
Caragana ambigua
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A low growing shrub. The branches are hairy. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. There are 4-10 leaflets. They are narrowly oval with a tip at the end. They are hairy. The fruit are curved sideways. They are 2 cm long and 5-6 mm wide.
There are about 80 Caragana species. They grow in temperate continental climates.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Pakistan it grows between 1,600 - 2,900 m altitude. It grows in valleys.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, India, Pakistan
How it is used for food
The flowers are eaten raw or cooked.
The flowers are eaten by children.
Edible parts
Flowers, pods
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Baiphli, Jangli phali, Zaray