Bosea amherstiana

(Moq.) Hook. f.

Himalayan bosea

Amaranthaceae Edible: Shoots, Leaves, Fruit 1 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A woody evergreen shrub. It grows about 2-6 m tall. It has many cane like stems from ground level. These are erect. The leaves are small and have smooth edges. They are a dull deep green. The flowers are white. The fruit are red berries. They are edible.

Edible Uses

The young shoots are fried in butter and eaten. The fruit are eaten raw, and the leaves are also edible.

Traditional Uses

The young shoots are fried in butter and eaten. The fruit are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The young shoots are used in traditional preparations.

Distribution

It grows in subtropical places. Garhwal Himalayas. In Pakistan it grows between 900-2,000 m altitude. It needs a well drained aerated soil. They do best in full sun. It can tolerate drought. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Himalayas, India*, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from cuttings, seeds or division of the roots. Plants can be cut back and re-sprout.

Notes

There are 3 Bosea species. They are woody shrubs.

Synonyms

Deeringia amherstiana? Rodetia amherstiana Moq.

Also Known As

Bhengoi, Kotibilga

References (10)

A. L. P. P. de Candolle, Prodr. 13(2):323. 1849 (As Rodetia amherstiana)
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 245 (Genus)
Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 136
Fl. Brit. India 4:716. 1885
Flora of Pakistan.

Show all 10 references

GUPTA
Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 207
Ryan, S., 2008, Dicksonia. Rare Plants Manual. Hyland House. p 11
Singh, H.B., Arora R.K.,1978, Wild edible Plants of India. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. p 34, 70 (As Rodetia amherstiana)
Wild edible plants of Himachal Pradesh