Common Name:

General Information

Kalimeris indica is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing from a stoloniferous rhizome and able to form large colonies in the wild. The erect, branched stems are 20 - 150cm tall[, ].
The plant is often harvested from the wild, both for eating as a vegetable and salad as well as for medicinal use[]. The plant is also cultivated for these purposes[, ] and the leaves are sold in local food markets[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia -Russian Far East, China, Japan, Korea, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia

Habitat

Forest margins, grasslands, riverbanks, sunny dry roadsides, margins of crop fields, semi-cultivated areas near habitations, protected shaded habitats; at elevations from sea level to 3,900 metres, though mainly below 2,000 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in most good garden soils[], preferring one that is well-drained and moisture retentive[]. Prefers a sunny position[].
Most species in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

The young leaves are often used as a vegetable in the East[, ]. Young rosettes are eaten raw in salads[, ].

Medicinal

The plant is used to expel heat and toxic materials, promote digestion and relieve dyspepsia, promote diuresis, dissipate blood stasis, and stop bleeding[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover. Keep the compost moist. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c[]. Grow on in cool conditions, about 10°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring. This should be done at least every 3 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant.