Swallowroot
Decalepis hamiltonii

Family: Apocynaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. It has tuberous roots. The stems and branches can be 5 cm across. The leaves are simple and opposite. They are narrowly oval and 2.5 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They are folded along their length. The plant has milky latex. The roots have a vanillin like smell. They can be 150 cm long by 3.5 cm wide. There are 4 to 10 roots from one rootstock. The flowers are cream to brown. The fruit follicle is oblong and 5.5 cm long by 3 cm wide. It has a thick crinkled skin.

The roots can be used to reduce losses of stored grains due to fungi. The root contains antioxidants. It is an at risk plant due to overharvesting.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in deciduous forests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India

How it is used for food

The young aromatic roots are used for pickles. They are used as a condiment for meat. They are also used for coffee.

It is used for a popular pickles in South India.

Edible parts

Roots - spice, tuber

How it is grown

Seeds have a hard seed coat and dormancy.

Its other names

Local names

Maagalikkizhangu, Madina kommulu, Magali kizhangu, Magalie, Mahali kizhangu, Makali beru, Maredu kommulu, Mavilangum, Nannari

Synonyms

Apocynum reticulatum Wall. [Invalid]; Streptocaulon hamiltonii Wight;