Smithia conferta

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 50-80 cm high. It is much branched. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. These end abruptly. There are 2-8 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are yellow and 1 or 2 occur together. They are in the axils of the upper leaves.

There are about 30 Smithia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in grassy fields and on grassy slopes. In southern China it grows in sandy areas and mountain valleys between 200-400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable.

The leaves are popular.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Barki, Boror ara, Elakanni, Loyongmasuria, Miet khit, Motha Kaula, Naichibha, Puimasuria, Thiruthali

Synonyms

Smithia geminiflora var. conferta Baker;