Alocasia fornicata

(Roxb.) Schott.

Araceae Edible: Roots, Tuber, Corm, Leaf stalks, Flowers 16 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Alocasia fornicata is a plant species of many-nerved, broad-leaved, rhizomatous or tuberous perennials from the family Araceae, native to Indochina and to the Indian subcontinent. It characteristically grows 2' - 3 ' in height with slightly pink petiole, triangular wide shaped leaves and a horizontally growing stolon. The plant's spadix is collected and cooked in North East Indian states of Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura where the plant is known locally as Baibing in Mizo. Alocasia affinis is also consumed. Both are a much favored seasonal vegetable. The plant, including the spadix, contains needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate known as raphides that are believed to be a defense mechanism against plant predators that can tear and damage the mucous membranes of the throat or esophagus.

Description

A stout herb. The stem can be 1 m long. It has the marks of fallen leaves along it. It is 10-15 cm around. The plant can be 2 m high. The leaves have leaf stalks that join away from the edge. The leaves are narrowly heart shaped and taper to the tip. The lobes are angular and the edges are wavy. The leaves are shiny. The leaf stalk sheaths the stem at the base. The flower is as a pointed spadix inside a green spathe.

Edible Uses

The leaf stalks and tubers are cooked and eaten, often in curries. The upper part of the flower stalk is eaten boiled or steamed.

Traditional Uses

The leaf stalk and tubers are cooked and eaten. They are used in curries. The upper part of the flower stalk is eaten boiled or steamed.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in wetlands and near streams.

Where It Grows

Asia, India, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia,

Notes

There are about 60-70 Alocasia species.

Also Known As

Bees kachu, Bees kochu, Bez kachu, Dumparase, Gadri

References (10)

Brown, D., 2000, Aroids. Plants of the Arum family. Timber Press. (Second edition) p 262
Khodram,S. D., et al, 2019, Local knowledge of edible flowers used in Mizoram. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol 18(40 pp 715-723
Kumar, G.M., & Shiddamallayya, N., 2014, Documentation of Wild Plant Tubers as Food Resources in Hassan District, Karnataka, International Journal of Applied Biology and Pharmaceutical Technology. 5(2) p 90
Lim, T. K., 2015, Edible Medicinal and Non Medicinal Plants. Volume 9, Modified Stems, Roots, Bulbs. Springer p 6
Mandal, P. et al, 2010, Antioxidant activity in the extracts of two edible aroids. Inidan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 72(1): pp 105-108

Show all 10 references

Medhi, P. and Borthakur, S. K., 2011, Genetic Resources of Root and Tuber Crops from North Cachar Hills of Assam. Journal of Root Crops, Vol. 37No.2 pp. 131-143
Misra, R. C., et al, 2013, Genetic resources of wild tuberous food plants traditionally used in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. Vol. 60 No. 2. Springer
Onwueme, I.C., 1978, The Tropical Tuber Crops. Wiley, p 199
Pagag, K. & Borthakur, S.K., 2012, Wild edible wetland plants from Lakhimpur district of Assam, India. Pleione 6(2): 322 - 327
Patiri, B. & Borah, A., 2007, Wild Edible Plants of Assam. Geethaki Publishers. p 154