Tadehagi triquetrum

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A slightly woody plant. It is a small shrub 3-2 m long. The branches have 3 corners. The leaves have 1 leaflet. The leaves are 6-13 cm long by 1-3.5 cm wide. They are hairy underneath. The flowers are purple to pink. The pod is 3-5 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They are hairy.

It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Assam it grows up to 1,300 m above sea level. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, Ryukyu, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The tuberous root is chewed in place of betel nut. The dried leaves are used for a tea like drink.

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Root, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Adakkachokki, Adkhapanal, Chenchen, Chochor bebek, Daun duduk, Ettang, Genteng changkeng, Gerji, Gulu walang, Jin hu lu, Kakganga, Ki chongchorang, Lauk-thay, Moko-lanma, Potong kujang, Qian ka a bo, Shwe-gu-than-hlet, Sosor bebek, Thagya-hlandin, Ulucha

Synonyms

Desmodium acrocarpum Hance; Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC.; Hedysarum triquetrum L.; Pteroloma triquetrum (L.) Benth.; and others