Water avens, Purple avens, Indian chocolate, Chocolate root
Geum rivale
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A small herb. It grows 25-30 cm high. It has robust roots. The leaves at the base are harp shaped and with leaflets. They are 10-35 cm long. The leaves are like strawberry leaves. The flowers are dull purplish-pink. Some garden cultivated varieties have been developed.
There are about 40 Geum species.
Where it is found
It grows in northern temperate regions. It prefers cool moist soils. It grows in wet places. In western China it grows between 1,200-2,300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Arctic, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Estonia, Europe, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mongolia, North America, Norway, Russia, USA, Scandinavia, Siberia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The boiled rootstock is made into a chocolate like drink. It is best with milk and sugar added. It is also used to flavour ales and liquors. The roots have a clove like taste.
Edible parts
Roots - drink, roots - spice, leaves, flowers, nectar
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Arjamurakad, Engjumleblom, Harjapea, Karikellad, Mesikupp, Potocni blazenak, Potočna sretena, Surnu sukapael