White dragon whisker
Cynanchum forrestii
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
An erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. The branches are hairy towards the ends. The leaves are opposite and broadly oval. They are 4-5 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The taper to a short tip. The base is rounded. The flowers are small and yellow. They are in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are follicles. They have flattened seeds.
Also put in the family Asclepiadaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in alpine waste places and humid grasslands between 1,000-5,000 m above sea level. It is native to Yunnan in China. In Sichuan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Tibet
How it is used for food
The roots are dried and used in soups. They are also used for a drink. The fruit are eaten fresh.
Edible parts
Roots, fruit
How it is grown
In Yunnan fruit are available in August to October.
Its other names
Local names
Babeda, Da ge cuo cuo, Da li bai qian