Theropogon pallidus

Family: Asparagaceae

What it is like

A herb. The rhizome is about 1 cm thick. There are 6-10 leaves. They are 15-40 cm long by 4-12 mm wide. The flower stalk is 30-35 cm long. There are 9-14 flowers in a group.

There is only one Theropogon species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Sikkim it grows between 1,800-3,000 m above sea level. It grows in shady rocky slopes between 2,300-2,600 m above sea level in SW China. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Root, bulb

How it is grown

In Sikkim the bulbs are harvested in July and August.

Its other names

Local names

Chhikko

Synonyms

Ophiopogon minor Royle ex Hook.f. [Invalid]; Ophiopogon mollis Royle [Invalid); Ophiopogon pallidus Wall. ex Kunth;