Torenia diffusa

Family: Scrophulariaceae

What it is like

A herb. It forms roots at the nodes. The leaves are oval and 4 cm long. There are teeth towards the top. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves or at the end of the plant. The flowers are pale blue with darker spots. The fruit is a narrow capsule. There are many seeds.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 1,400-1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Nepal, Northeastern India

How it is used for food

The plant is mixed with Impatiens latiflora and used as a flavouring in curry

Edible parts

Leaves - spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ocheng

Synonyms

Torenia hians Roxb.; Torenia vagans Roxb.;