Spikenard
Nardostachys jatamansi

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 1 m tall. It has underground stems or rhizomes. The flowers are pink and bell shaped.

It has various medicinal properties. Also put in the family Valeriaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows between 3,000-5,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The young shoots are used as a spice. The rhizome is chewed with betel nut.

Edible parts

Shoot - spice, root - masticatory

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Jatamansi, Pangpey

Synonyms

Fedia grandiflora Wall. ex DC.; Fedia jatamansi Wall. ex DC. [Invalid]; Nardostachys chinensis Batalin; Nardostachys grandiflora DC.; Patrinia jatamansi D. Don; Valeriana jatamansi D. Don;