Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora

(Pennell) D. Y. Hong

Plantaginaceae Edible: Root 7 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae. It is used heavily as a substitute for Picrorhiza kurroa and is considered non-threatened under CITES. It is similar to P. kurrooa but has leaves up to 6 cm long and stems which are decumbent. Flowers of this plant are 1.5 cm long, deep blue-purple with exserted styles and stamens. This species is found from Uttar Pradesh to southwestern China, including Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and Sikkim, on rocky slopes at altitudes of 3,600–4,800 m (11,800–15,700 ft).

Description

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 4-12 cm tall. The rhizome is 1 cm across. It forms coarse roots at the node. The leaves are spoon shaped to oval and 3-6 cm long. They taper to the base and there are teeth long the edge. The capsule is narrowly oval and 8-10 mm long.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, Nepal,

Synonyms

Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell

Also Known As

Hong-len, Kudki, Kutki

References (1)

Yeshi, K. et al, 2017, Taxonomical Identification of Himalayan Edible Medicinal Plants in Bhutan and the Phenolic Contents and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Plants. TBAP 7 (2) 2017 pp 89 - 106