Umbelled caralluma
Caralluma umbellata
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
An erect succulent herb. The stems and branches are angled. They have a watery sap. The leaves along the angles fall off early leaving scars. The flowers have a bad smell. The flowers occur in group at the top of the plant. They are purple. The fruit is a cylinder shaped follicle. The seeds are flattened.
Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in southern India in the foothills and to 1,300 m altitude. It grows amongst exposed rocks.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, India
How it is used for food
The stem is tender and is edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. The stems can be prepared with salt and oil as pickles or chutneys.
Edible parts
Stem
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kalmulayan, Kallichedi, Maganakodu, Sirumankeerai