Stephania glabra
Family: Menispermaceae
What it is like
A vine. It has a tuberous rootstock. The tubers can weigh 30 kg. The stems are hollow and have lines along them. The leaf stalk is slender and 5-15 cm long. The leaves are round and the leaf stalk joins away from the edge of the leaf. The leaves are 6-12 cm wide. The male flowers are in the axils of leaves on stalks 4-8 cm long. The female flowers are more condensed. The fruit are oval and 6 mm long.
It contains alkaloids.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical and temperate plant. It grows in upland fields in Thailand. It grows in the Himalayas between 1,600-1,900 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Tibet
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Tuber, root, probably also medicine.
How it is grown
Seedlings are transplanted.
Its other names
Local names
Khabukka, Maa noi, Purha, Thun newe, Thaya nuya