Spiderwort
Leucas cephalotes

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It grows to about 50 cm high. The leaves have short stalks. They are 2.5-10 cm long by 0.8-3.5 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped with teeth along the edge. They are hairy on both surfaces. The flowers are white. They occur in round heads.

There are about 100 Leucas species.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Nepal they grow up to 2400 m altitude. They grow in open places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Fiji, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pacific, Pakistan, Tibet

How it is used for food

The tender shoots and leaves are cooked as a vegetable.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bara halkusha, Barajalkusa, Chatra, Dandakolos, Deldona, Deokhumba,Dhrupym Dhurpi sag, Dondokoas, Dondokolosh, Drona puspi, Dronapushpi, Goma, Gomanaki ara, Gubbha, Guldoda, Guma, Halkhura, Kanthe jhar, Kubi, Kubo, Matapati, Peddatumni, Phuman, Pitta sag, Shetvad, Sisalius, Timba, Tou xu bai rong cao

Synonyms

Leucas capitata Desf.; Phlomis cephalotes Roth.;